Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Dakar, Senegal (March 18, 2020)

Location:  Guinea-Bissau

Event: 

As of March 18, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guinea-Bissau. 

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of US personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.

On March 17, authorities in Guinea-Bissau announced the closure of land borders and a ban on all flights landing at Osvaldo Viera International Airport beginning on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.   

The Government of Guinea-Bissau has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Public services including schools and government facilities are closed until March 31, 2020.  Markets and restaurants have also closed or restricted access, limiting access to goods and services.  The government also announced the prohibition of religious and traditional ceremonies and concerts.  Only essential services for the supply of basic necessities remain open.  

The World Health Organization and the Bissau-Guinean Ministry of Health hold recurring press conferences to provide local information regarding COVID-19.  Monitor local media for updates.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens because there is no U.S. Embassy in Guinea-Bissau.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 3 Health Advisory for COVID-19. 

Actions to Take:

• Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
• For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
• Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
• Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
• Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Guinea-Bissau.
• Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S. 

Assistance:

• U.S. Embassy Dakar, Senegal
• Route Des Almadies
• Dakar, Senegal
• +(221) 33-879-4000
• DakarACS@state.gov
• https://sn.usembassy.gov and https://gw.usmission.gov/
• State Department - Consular Affairs
• 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
• Guinea-Bissau Country Information
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
• Follow us on Facebook