Critical Alert
Authorities in Madagascar lift curfew and announce new COVID-19 measures Oct. 5. State of health emergency extended to Oct. 18.
Alert Begins 07 Oct 2020 11:31 AM UTC
Alert Expires 19 Oct 2020 11:59 PM UTC
- Incident: COVID-19 restrictions
- Location(s): Nationwide
- Time Frame: Indefinite
- Impact: Travel and business restrictions
Summary
Authorities in Madagascar have lifted curfew restrictions and announced new measures Oct. 5 in continued efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, the state of health emergency has been extended through to at least Oct. 18. Several new restrictions have been implemented, including the following:
- All shops, restaurants, places of worship, and recreational centers are permitted to operate without significant restrictions, as long as social distancing sanitization methods are followed.
- School activities are permitted to operate.
- Sporting events are permitted with no more than 200 spectators.
- The wearing of a protective facemask remains mandatory in public spaces.
- All domestic air travelers will be subject to a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken no less than 48 hours before departure. Only those with a negative test result will be permitted to board flights.
- Fascene Airport (NOS) on Nosy Be Island is the only airport in the territory permitted to receive international travelers from islands in the Indian Ocean as of Oct. 7. Other regional airports will be permitted to accommodate flights from islands in the Indian Ocean from Oct. 29. A negative COVID-19 test is required upon entry. A mandatory 14-day quarantine period is required for all travelers. International travel from other countries remains suspended until further notice.
All sea borders remain suspended until further notice; however, cargo and humanitarian flights are operational. Authorities could change COVID-19 restrictions with little to no notice.
Background and Analysis
Madagascar has enforced and relaxed several measures in recent months to contain the spread of COVID-19. Authorities are likely to continue to reintroduce sporadic, highly targeted measures in response to local COVID-19 outbreaks. Such measures could apply to regions, cities, neighborhoods, or specific facilities.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance, particularly if traveling outside of the Analamanga Region. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
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