COVID-19: State health emergency, travel restrictions implemented

IMPACT – HIGH

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has declared a state public health emergency and implemented a number of travel restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

• All flights from COVID-19 affected countries are suspended, including flights transiting through countries affected by COVID-19. All national borders are closed for travel with exceptions for the transporting of cargo by ships or other means. Cargo and freight personnel are subject to public health measures.
• A state public health emergency has been declared, resulting in a nationwide lockdown which restricts the movement of people. Individuals are to remain at home except when they need to go out for food, health reasons or work. Additionally, domestic flights between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended. Public institutions are providing limited services with staff working on a rotational basis.
• Many of the public institutions are located in Gombe (a commune in Kinshasa), which is under a lockdown. Only permit applications designated as a priority are being processed. The processing of other permit applications has been postponed until the emergency is over.
• For people with COVID-19 symptoms, or who have been affected by COVID-19, there is a 14-day quarantine in place.

Analysis & Comments: The state public health emergency and travel restrictions will impact the movement of people into and within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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