Yemen: Neighborhoods in Sana’a and mosques closed for 24 hours May 6 /update 6

Event

Houthi leadership in Sana'a announced a 24-hour closure for all mosques and select neighborhoods in areas of the capital under their control due to the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A total of ten districts are affected by the lockdown and residents were called upon to remain indoors as field teams conduct a sterilization campaign. The Houthi minister of health stated that all cases of acute pneumonia, influenza, or coughing are being treated.

The move comes as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases begins to climb in an unstable context. As of Wednesday, May 6, there are 22 confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide and four associated deaths.

An indefinite curfew remains in place for Hadhramaut province lasting from 16:00 to 04:00 (local time) in all major cities of the province.

The Saudi-led coalition involved in Yemen's ongoing internal conflict extended an ongoing unilateral ceasefire until Sunday, May 24. Additionally, the al-Wadia border crossing, the country's only remaining border crossing with Saudi Arabia, remains closed until further notice.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.