Kiribati to check temps of all incoming travelers

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services of the Republic of Kiribati has updated its health travel advisory in relation to the 2019 novel coronavirus. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Effective immediately, all incoming international travelers into all ports of entry of Kiribati will be subjected to temperature check.

This comes soon after the Ministry of Health & Medical Services of the Republic of Kiribati updated its health travel advisory in relation to the 2019 novel coronavirus.

All travellrs from areas and territories in countries with ongoing local transmission of novel coronavirus must spend at least 14 days in a country free of the 2019-nCoV. If travelers arrive earlier than the required 14-day-period, health quarantine measures may be applied and deportation to the country of travel origin would be considered depending on the health status of the individual.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services also recommends that citizens and residents avoid non-essential travel to areas and territories in countries with sustained transmission. However, if travel cannot be postponed, then preventive measures should always be adhered to.

The ministry adds that in case of symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness before travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and advise about travel restrictions.

In case of symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness during and after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share travel history with health care providers.

A Health Arrival Form is to be filled out by all incoming travelers upon arrival to Kiribati through Tarawa and Kiritimati.

All travelers to Kiribati are advised that they must always comply with the following preventive measures:

• Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections;

• People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing and wash hands);

• Avoid contact with animals (alive or dead), visiting animal markets, and purchasing products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat);

• Wash hands often with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available;

• Older travellers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to affect areas and territories with their health care provider;

• In order to minimize the risk of transmission, people travelling to the affected area should maintain good hand and personal hygiene;

• Travellers should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days if visiting any other affected countries or countries with local transmissions, informing their health service prior to their attendance about their recent travel to the affected country;

• Self-Quarantine at home to minimize spread of infection

These measures have been implemented to protect the population and communities of Kiribati against the coronavirus.

The 33 islands of the Republic of Kiribati (pronounced Kiribas) is situated in the heart of the Pacific where the equator and the international datelines meet.

Tarawa is home to the country’s main international airport and is serviced by direct flights from Nadi, Fiji, Nauru, Funafuti, Tuvalu, Honiara, Solomon Islands, Majuro, Republic of Marshall Islands, and Brisbane, Australia.

Kiritimati or Christmas Island on the eastern side of the country is serviced by a weekly flight from Nadi, Fiji and Honolulu, Hawaii. (PR)