Critical Alert
Authorities in Niger extend state of health emergency through Jan. 10, 2021, to contain the spread of COVID-19. Land borders closed.
Alert Begins 06 Oct 2020 03:11 PM UTC
Alert Expires 06 Nov 2020 11:59 PM UTC
- Incident: COVID-19 restrictions
- Location(s): Nationwide (map)
- Time Frame: Indefinite
- Impact: Travel restrictions
Summary
Authorities in Niger have extended the country's state of health emergency through Jan. 10, 2021, as part of measures to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Following the extension of the State of Health Emergency, several measures will remain in place:
International Travel
Land borders will remain closed until further notice. Cargo and freight travel may continue with heightened screening measures in place. However, air travel has resumed. Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM) in Niamey and other airports in the country are open. Persons eligible for entry to the country will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test to authorities upon arrival. The test should be no older than 72 hours. Screening on arrival is also conducted. Persons testing positive will be quarantined for 14 days at a government facility. After 13 days in quarantine, a second test will be administered. Persons leaving the country must produce a negative COVID-19 test that is no older than 72 hours. The tests are conducted by Centre de Recherche Medicale et Sanitaire Niger. All travelers are required to pay for the tests.
Domestic Restrictions
Domestic travel restrictions have largely been relaxed. Facemasks are mandatory in public and social distancing of at least 1 meter (3 feet) is required in public. All measures are subject to change at short notice.
Background and Analysis
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and requirements. 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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