COVID-19 remains a public health issue worldwide, and the Central African Republic, like other countries, continues to maintain cross-border surveillance for COVID-19.
Recently, in various districts of Bangui, information has been circulating claiming that PCR testing has been suspended in the Central African Republic. According to the Ministry of Public Health and Population, its health impact is decreasing due to vaccination coverage. Therefore, a PCR test is not mandatory for anyone planning to travel by air.
For more details, we consulted Dr. Herdeibona Luc Salvador, Technical Coordinator for COVID-19 at the Ministry of Public Health and Population.
According to the Ministry, the measures in place at Bangui M’poko Airport for departure and arrival are as follows:
At Departure:
• Any person who is ill or shows symptoms of COVID-19 or another infectious disease should postpone their trip.
• All passengers must wash their hands with water and soap or use a hand sanitizer before starting their procedures and maintain physical distancing by adhering to floor markings.
• Wearing a mask is recommended in the terminal premises.
• Body temperature checks and screening for COVID-19 symptoms will be systematically performed on all passengers.
At Arrival:
• All passengers must wash their hands with water and soap or use a hand sanitizer before starting their procedures.
• Presentation of proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination is sufficient to enter the Central African Republic.
• In the absence of proof of complete vaccination, a PCR test taken within the last 72 hours is required upon arrival.
• All passengers must complete the individual health control form.
• Body temperature checks and screening for COVID-19 symptoms will be systematically performed on all passengers.
• Travelers will undergo an antigen test for COVID-19 upon arrival.
• In case of positive results, travelers must adhere to national COVID-19 care guidelines.
Dr. Herdeibona Luc Salvador stated that the measures at departure and arrival at Bangui-M’poko Airport remain largely the same. However, PCR testing for passengers is not mandatory within the Central African Republic. Passengers must present a PCR test result or proof of vaccination according to the requirements of their destination countries.
He clarified that “due to the reduction in COVID-19 cases, the PCR test is not mandatory. Moreover, the COVID-19 vaccine is available at all health centers in the Central African Republic, and Central Africans can be vaccinated.
While the PCR test is not mandatory for travelers, it has not been suspended. It is still essential to adhere to barrier gestures and get vaccinated, as the vaccine is the only means to slow the rapid spread of the virus worldwide. Follow the instructions provided by health authorities.
By Britney Ngalingbo / AFC
This article is produced under the AFC-Internews partnership funded by USAID. However, the content is the responsibility of AFC.
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