Ministry issues new travel advice as 26 cases of omicron indentified

In its travel guidance, the ministry urges the public to take into consideration wholesome choices this vacation year to shield by themselves and their cherished ones.

The release reads:

The Ministry of Wellness wishes to inform the community that Genomic sequencing of constructive COVID-19 take a look at benefits from The Gambia has recognized 26 situations with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, 13 of whom are outgoing vacationers. The samples have been collected among the  22nd and 28th of December 2021 and the success validate the presence of the very contagious omicron variant in the place and as a result underscores the need to have for the community to take into account healthier options this holiday season to safeguard them selves and their loved kinds.

The omicron variant of COVID-19 has been named a variant of problem by WHO primarily based on the proof that it has many mutations. New variants like Omicron are a reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is significantly from getting above. As a result of the presence of this new variant, the tests and quarantine protocol is consequently up-to-date with influence from 17th January, 2022.

1. For passengers coming into the Gambia

The pursuing categories exist:

Class I: Totally vaccinated Travellers: Travellers who have been completely vaccinated do not require a PCR take a look at to enter into the Gambia. Such vacationers are recommended on self-monitored isolation and avail them selves to the screening centers for RDT check in situation they notice any signals and signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or could simply call 1025 for enquiry.

Having said that, if this kind of people have indications or signs comparable to these of COVID-19, they will be needed to undergo Speedy Diagnostic Take a look at for COVID-19 at the airport upon arrival.

This class does not utilize to scorching place international locations for Omicron variant who have to have even more screening as offered in classification III.

Category II: Non Vaccinated or Partially Vaccinated persons: All these persons will need a detrimental PCR examination report valid within just 72hrs for entry into the country. Travellers from countries thought of as hotspot for the Delta Variant will, in addition, undertake a Immediate Diagnostic Examination at the Airport on arrival. The list of these international locations will be periodically up-to-date.

The checklist of Delta Variant hotspot nations primarily based on our countrywide tips are as follows:

Record OF International locations

Australia

Belgium

Canada

Denmark

Finland

France

Japan

India

Italy

Eire

Mexico

Netherlands

Portugal

United Kingdom

Usa

Slovenia

South Africa

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

Category III: For passengers from hotspot nations for the Omicron variant.

Absolutely vaccinated Passengers: Passengers who have been fully vaccinated want to demonstrate proof of full vaccination status and do not need PCR test to enter The Gambia, such tourists will be examined on arrival working with RDT and this check will be totally free of charge and the success could be offered on the place or despatched online. Nevertheless, the vacationers are recommended on self-monitored isolation and avail themselves to the screening facilities for PCR exam in scenario they observe any signals and indications of COVID-19 or could call 1025 for enquiry.

Non Vaccinated or Partially Vaccinated persons: Passengers from nations around the world thought of as Hotspot for the Omicron variant will need to have proof of a adverse PCR test report legitimate in 72hrs for entry into the nation. In addition, all tourists in this class will be tested with RDT and all those favourable will be taken to the quarantine heart at their have cost or isolated at their booked lodge for PCR Examination to be performed by the mobile laboratory crew. These types of tourists will remain below isolation till the outcome arrive out. The list of these countries will be periodically updated.

The checklist of Omicron variant Hotspot countries dependent on our countrywide pointers are as follows:

Record OF Countries

Australia

Angola

Botswana

Canada

Denmark

eSwatini 

Germany

Hong Kong

Lesotho

Malawi

Mozambique

Namibia

Portugal

United Kingdom

South Africa

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Class IV: Youngsters: Little ones beneath 18 decades and from hotspot international locations for both of those Delta and Omicron Variants are permitted to travel to The Gambia and on arrival will be tested at the airport working with RDT.

1. The community is educated that all outgoing passengers from The Gambia will be needed to adhere to COVID-19 testing necessity for the vacation spot nations around the world on affirmation by the Port Health and fitness Officers or airline associates as may possibly be released.
2. For the common population, the Ministry of Overall health is soliciting the constant assist and cooperation of the community in its attempts to consist of COVID-19 in the nation. Any member of the community who has symptoms equivalent to that of COVID-19 can simply call 1025 for enquiry. The common general public is advised to minimize the danger of exposure to the virus by:
3. On a regular basis carrying a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
4. Making sure that your fingers are clean up when you place on and take out your mask.

III. Keeping a bodily distance of at the very least 1 meter from other individuals.

1. Keeping away from improperly ventilated or crowded areas.
2. Opening windows to make improvements to ventilation indoors.
3. Washing your hands routinely with cleaning soap and water or use a hand sanitizer. 

VII. Acquiring vaccinated. WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines are protected and successful. 

VIII. All passengers and typical community are expected to adhere to the countrywide recommendations for the management of COVID-19.