Coronavirus - Seychelles: Health & Travel Advisory (25th March 2020)
Any passenger arriving from any country (except returning Seychellois citizens) will not be allowed to enter Seychelles
VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 25, 2020/ -- Overview and situation analysis
As of 24th March 2020, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has
exceeded 372,000 in 195 countries, territories and areas. According to
the WHO situation report of 24th March 2020, the total number of deaths
globally stands at over 16,000. Italy is still the country with the most deaths, followed by Spain and United Kingdom; and the epidemic does not show signs of slowing down in most places. Transmission varies from one place to another, and is highly influenced by response measures adopted by each country. Almost all countries have registered confirmed cases,
with the rate of infection rising rapidly, and further restrictive
measures being taken. According to WHO, Europe remains the epicentre of
the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant increase in numbers and
community transmission of new infections.
Community transmission is now occurring to different degrees on all
continents. Containment remains a major challenge worldwide and
countries are gradually implementing stricter measures.
Flight bookings and arrivals into Seychelles have declined significantly and this is already showing signs of adverse impact on the local
economy. However, with the outbreak escalating globally, there is a
possibility of having new cases of COVID-19 amongst passengers who have
already arrived in Seychelles.
Seychelles needs to continue focusing its resources on dealing with the
current situation locally and mitigating the impact of the outbreak on
its citizens.
Revised travel measures
With immediate effect until further notice:
• Any passenger arriving from ANY country (except returning Seychellois citizens) will NOT be allowed to enter Seychelles.
• In the event that a person who has been to ANY country (except
returning Seychellois citizens) arrives in Seychelles, he/she will not
be allowed entry and the carrier airline or vessel will be responsible
for the immediate return of the passenger.
• All Seychellois citizens returning from ANY country will be subjected
to additional health screening and placed under obligatory quarantine
for at least 14 days upon arrival.
• All airlines with inbound flights for Seychelles, are directed not to
board any passengers or crew (except returning Seychellois citizens)
from ANY country.
• Any person arriving in Seychelles by sea from any marine vessel
(except returning Seychellois citizens) will not be allowed to
disembark.
• All travelers should monitor their health closely for two weeks upon
return to Seychelles and seek medical attention promptly if feeling
unwell, and also inform their doctor of their travel history and
possible contacts.
• A foreign national who requires to enter Seychelles for any special
mission has to obtain written permission from the Public Health
Commissioner prior to leaving the country of origin.
The following measures still apply
• All Seychelles citizens and residents are banned from travelling
abroad, effective as of Monday 23rd March 2020, for a period of 30 days.
• All foreign workers holding a Seychelles GOP are not allowed to return until further notice. No new GOPs are to be issued.
• All Seychellois nationals who are presently in countries which have
imposed a ban on international travel are strongly advised to comply
with local preventive measures, including social distancing, being
implemented in those particular countries and to avoid any travel or
other movement that increases their risk of getting infected.
• As of 10th March 2020, all cruise ships are not allowed entry into Seychelles’ waters until further notice.
• In addition to cruise ships, all leisure boats are not allowed entry into Seychelles’ waters until further notice.
• All boat and pleasure craft excursions and activities must be scaled down.
WHO continues to emphasise the need for countries to be aggressive in
enhancing preparedness and respond to cases, and to take all mitigating
measures required, without creating panic.
Seychelles continues to reinforce its outbreak preparedness and response plan.
The Department of Health wishes to thank all partners and stakeholders for their support and understanding.
Play online games for free at games.easybranches.com
Guest Post Services www.easybranches.com/contribute