Public Health Authority re-affirms that no case of COVID-19 has been detected locally |14 March 2020

Local updates:

• The department of health has had seven (7) COVID-19 tests done so far and all were negative;
• No one is currently admitted at the Isolation Unit at Anse Royale;
• Six (6) adults and two (2) children of Seychelles citizens in quarantine at Perseverance;
• No cases of COVID-19 has been reported as of yet in the Seychelles.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recorded as of March 12, 125,048 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally. Over 60% of cases confirmed, have recovered from the illness. WHO is nonetheless urging all countries to prepare for the potential arrival of COVID-19 by readying emergency response systems; increasing capacity to detect and care for patients; ensuring hospitals have the space, supplies and necessary personnel; and developing life-saving medical interventions.

The Public Health Authority and Health Care Agency have put several measures in place, in partnership with other key stakeholders, some of which has already developed their response plan. These are to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Seychelles. It is also imperative for all people to take necessary

basic hygiene measures and employers called upon to allow sick employees to stay at home and self-isolate if showing respiratory and flu-like symptoms, especially having recently travelled.

Re-assurance is key to prevent panic and to ensure that there is continuity in the country with minimum delay, while we actively continue surveillance and prepare, in the event that we do receive a confirmed case.

Measures deemed necessary at our ports of entry are as follows:

• Thermal temperature scans of both passengers and crew on board ships and in the arrival lounge at the airport;
• Maritime Health Form inspection prior to a ship’s arrival in the Seychelles’ waters;
• Ending the cruise ship season earlier;
• Routine health check forms and aircraft inspection prior disembarkation;
• Passport check by immigration of travel history in the last 14 days.

The local authorities are therefore calling on the public to remain confident in the preparedness measures in place and necessary actions taken in any situations of need, with regular information provided on our channels and local media, as and when required.

Communique from the Public Health Authority