International flights to and fro Somalia have resumed after approximately five months break. This resumption is in line with the government’s directive on Thursday, July 30, that international flights would resume on Monday, August 3.
The federal government of Somalia banned international flights, including khat (Miraa) planes, in mid-March as part of its efforts to contain coronavirus.
While issuing a statement on Thursday permitting this resumption, Caretaker Prime Minister Mahadi Mohamed Guled alias Khadar announced that all travelers jetting into the country will be required to produce a medical certificate confirming they are coronavirus free. The certificate should be issued not earlier that 72hours before the arrival. Mahadi added that all travelers will also be taken through a mandatory screening with those displaying COVID-19 symptoms being quarantined for the first 14 days of their stay.
The suspension on Khat flights remains effective until further notice as the government fears if lifted, the narcotic could contribute to increased COVID-19 infections.
The Somali Government has also ordered the reopening of all schools and universities, effective August 15. All education centers were closed in March, barely a week after the country recorded the first COVID-19 case.
Somalia is the second East African country to order for resumption of learning after Tanzania who declared itself coronavirus-free in June thanks to prayers by citizens.
Somalia has recorded a decline in Covid-19 cases with the country recording 3,220 cases, 1,598 recoveries and 93 deaths as of 31 July.
