LOCATION: Ethiopia
EVENT: Tigray Regional State Enacts Travel Ban and Other Measures in the Fight Against COVID-19, effective Saturday, March 28, 2020.
THIS INFORMATION APPLIES TO TIGRAY REGIONAL STATE IN ETHIOPIA.
On Saturday, March 28, Tigray Regional State will implement a comprehensive travel ban as part of its effort to block the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The ban will be in effect for two weeks. Measures include a ban against travel between towns and cities in Tigray Regional State, but the airport will remain open. Additionally, those entering Tigray Regional State will be scanned at all entry points, and those who take buses can only enter before 6:00pm.
The state of emergency prohibits large social gatherings such as weddings. Funerals are excepted but are limited to a maximum of 20 people. All bars, nightclubs, coffee shops, large markets, and billiard halls will remain closed for the two-week period. Hotels, cafes and restaurants can remain open during the period but are required to take specified preventive measures, including designated handwashing areas, spacing of seating so customers are not closer than one meter from another, and the provision and use of gloves and face masks by employees.
The ban requires that mini-buses transport no more than eight people at a time, while three-wheeled vehicles (bajajs) can only transport one passenger.
During the two-week period, visiting patients at hospitals and prisons is also banned. Except for public offices that are regarded as essential, all offices will stay closed for the two-week period.
The state of emergency could be extended if necessary.
ASSISTANCE:
U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
+251-111-306-000
+251-111-306-911 or 011-130-6000 (after hours)
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
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