Covid-19: UAE bars entry from Uganda, Zambia and DR Congo

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will suspend entry for travellers coming from Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda starting June 11, as part of efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the General Civil Aviation Authority announced on Wednesday.

Emirati citizens, diplomatic passport holders, and official delegations are exempt from the measures.

Transit flights from the UAE to the affected countries, in addition to cargo flights, will continue to operate.

 “The General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed that travellers coming from Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda through other countries are required to have a period of stay in those countries of not less than 14 days in order to be allowed to enter the country, with the continuation of cargo flights between the UAE with the three countries,” the authority said.

Those excluded from the travel ban must adhere to precautionary measures, including undergoing 10-day quarantine, take a PCR examination at the airport and on days four and eight of entering the country.

New lockdown

On Sunday, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni introduced new lockdown measures including the closure of schools and the suspension of non-essential travel between districts in an attempt to stem the rise in Covid-19 cases.

Public gatherings and worship services were also suspended for a period of 42 days.

Last week, the Democratic Republic of Congo said it was facing the third wave of coronavirus infections, with its epicentre in the capital, Kinshasa, one of Africa’s most populous cities.

Edited by Olajumoke Adeleke