STOCKHOLM – 31ST MARCH, 2020 – THE Embassy of Zambia in Sweden wishes to advise all Zambians and travellers planning to visit Zambia that the Government has introduced measures to prevent and control the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) within the country.
The measures were announced in the address to the nation by His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia in which he outlined the Government’s phased strategy of interventions aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Sweden, Her Excellency Rose Salukatula has, following the President’s address, urged all Zambians on long or short stay in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden to register with the Embassy in Stockholm.
The Ambassador has advised all Zambians and other travellers to postpone or cancel, altogether, all non-essential travel to other countries, especially those places with confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Ambassador Salukatula has pointed out that all travellers, including Zambians, seeking entry into Zambia would be subjected to thorough screening at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) or any other ports of entry and would be required to self-quarantine for fourteen (14) days at their own cost while those who exhibit symptoms upon arrival, would be isolated in a designated Government medical facility for treatment.
All travellers would further be required to complete and submit prescribed forms and hand them to health officials upon arrival to ensure continued surveillance, contact tracing and proper follow up of suspected cases.
The Ambassador has also advised that the Mission will review the issuance of visas for people intending to travel to Zambia from countries affected by the pandemic.
Further, international flights at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe and Mfuwe International airports have been suspended, and instead, all such flights should only land at and depart from the KKIA. This is meant to ensure efficient and effective screening of travellers, as well as to allow for easy follow ups of suspected cases by the health authorities.
Other measures being implemented by the Zambian Government include the following:
• Mandatory reporting of all individuals suspected to have COVID-19 to health officials.
• Mandatory collection of all relevant specimens for diagnosis and management of COVID-19.
• Closure of any premises that pose a public threat linked to COVID-19.
• A mandatory requirement for the provision of adequate and accessible facilities for hand hygiene (including soap and running water or alcohol-based hand sanitisers) in public places.
• A requirement for all public places and congregate settings to adhere to and practice high levels of hygiene standards, including ensuring the provision of adequate water and sanitation facilities.
• Closure of all levels of schools.
• Suspension of gatherings such as places of worship, gyms and any such places.
• Restriction of close personal contact such as handshakes and hugs.
• Social distancing of at least one meter is encouraged when an individual is showing respiratory symptoms such as cough or sneezing. Individuals showing such symptoms are urged to stay at home and avoid interacting with the public.
• Restriction of unnecessary public gatherings.
• Provision of all necessary facilities to promote hygiene, infection prevention and control during passenger transit and transfer at all points of entry
• Operators of passenger vehicles, aeroplanes, marine transport, and other conveyances are required to put in place all necessary provisions to promote hygiene and facilitate infection prevention and control during operations. This includes provision of health information on COVID-19 and other health matters. In addition, transport operators are required to submit all relevant information and documentation that may be useful in detection and management of COVID-19.
For further information relating to this Travel Advisory, contact the Embassy of Zambia in Stockholm, Sweden on the following alternative phone numbers and email: +46769555866 or +46700217618/nshabolyo@gmail.com
Issued by:
Nicky Shabolyo
Counsellor
ZAMBIAN EMBASSY IN SWEDEN
Cell: +46 (0)700217618
