Temporary Flight Interruptions To/From Sudan After First COVID-19 Case

Sudan reported its first COVID-19 case on 13 March 2020.

Faisal Alyas, a 52-year-old man, died in Khartoum on 12 March, after being diagnosed with the virus following a visit to the UAE in the first week of March.

The government quickly announced a series of health and safety measures, including stopping public events. In addition, Sudan stopped visa issuance and flight services to eight countries, including Egypt and Italy, over fears of the coronavirus outbreak. Bus trips to Egypt have also been suspended.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also suspended flights to Sudan.

In addition, Sudan has decided to close kindergartens, religious schools, universities and schools for one month and ban public gatherings to prevent the spread of the virus. It has also been decided to postpone the basic school certificate examinations in all states.

There are currently no confirmed or reported COVID-19 cases in South Sudan. However, a few countries such as Saudi Arabia have imposed travel restrictions to South Sudan.

The Ministry of Health and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok urged people to take measures to stop the spread of coronavirus, such as frequently washing their hands and avoiding crowded places.

#COVID pandemic is spreading quickly and caution must be taken. We urge all citizens to take the right precautions given by the Ministry of Health and the WHO to protect themselves and their families.

— Abdalla Hamdok (@SudanPMHamdok) March 13, 2020

In addition to Sudan, other African countries have recently reported their first COVID-19 cases. Kenya, Ethiopia and Guinea also confirmed their first cases on 13 March, bringing the total to 19 coronavirus-hit countries in Africa.

As part of an initiative of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to evacuate 215 Arab students from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, Sudanese students in Wuhan have been evacuated to the UAE where they are in quarantine in Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi. There are no reports on whether any of the evacuated 140 students have tested positive for COVID-19. After the 25-day quarantine period, they will return to Sudan.

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