Chad has shut its airports to all flights, over fears of the virus, despite not recording a case of coronavirus in the country.
According to a recent statement by Chad’s government on March 17, the measure will start at midnight on Thursday, March 19 though the ban does not apply to planes transporting goods.
The government called on “Chadians living abroad and wanting to return to the country do so within the required timeframe”.
It added that land borders remain open apart from those with Sudan and the Central African Republic. The borders with those two conflict-plagued countries had been closed before the outbreak of the deadly virus in China in December.
The government also said it would “strictly limit movement outside refugee camps,” which is home to 465,000 refugees.
Meanwhile, Morocco has stopped all international flights “until further notice” aside from special planes authorised to repatriate European tourists.
Somalia also banned all international flights, including cargo, after confirming its first case. Humanitarian flights, however, will be allowed to proceed.
Others are banning flights and travellers depending on their origins. Senegal has blocked air links with seven European countries and the Middle East. Togo and Madagascar have taken similar measures.
Others like Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and Ivory Coast have blocked foreigners from high-risk countries, sometimes allowing those who hold resident permits.
The pandemic has infected over 190, 000 people and killed over 7,000 globally
