Location: Cabo Verde
Event: COVID-19 Cases Continue to Rise Across Several Islands
As of July 10, there were 802 active COVID-19 cases in Cabo Verde. All municipalities of Santiago have reported a confirmed COVID-19 case and there is one suspected case on the island of Brava. Cabo Verde remains under a “State of Calamity” and social distancing measures remain in place for all of Cabo Verde.
COVID-19 Cases in Cabo Verde
As of July 10, Cabo Verde had 1,553 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including on Boa Vista (57), Sal (273), Santiago (1,194), Santo Antão (4), Sao Nicolau (11), São Vicente (12), and Maio (2) of which 802 were active. As of July 10, there was one suspected case on the island of Brava. Only the island of Fogo has not recorded a suspected or confirmed case. Additional information is available at https://covid19.cv.
Inter-island and International Flights
The Government of Cabo Verde has indicated that inter-island flights will not resume until at least July 15, but a firm date for resumption of these flights is yet to be announced. The Government of Cabo Verde announced on June 23 that international commercial flights will not resume until at least August. (Please note that TAP is operating three humanitarian flights in July but has indicated that only EU citizens and residents will be permitted on these flights.)
The government previously announced that COVID-19 testing and mandatory quarantine measures will not be required for individuals traveling via inter-island or international flights, but details on what procedures will be required have yet to be announced. Increased travel between islands may lead to increased cases. The government has established health cordons in some places to help isolate cases when that is feasible.
The U.S. Embassy in Praia does not anticipate organizing another repatriation flight to the United States. U.S. citizens remaining in Cabo Verde should be prepared to shelter in place for an indefinite period of time.
Inter-island Maritime Travel
As of June 1, passenger maritime transportation resumed between most islands. The government has announced that maritime transportation to and from Sal and Santiago will not resume until at least July 15, but a firm date for resumption of these ferry services is yet to be announced. For the latest ferry schedule, please visit https://www.cvinterilhas.cv/routesschedules.
Required Use of Face Coverings and Availability of Supplies
Cabo Verde remains under a “State of Calamity” designation with certain restrictions on businesses and public areas, including restrictions on beach access and restaurant operations. Additionally, under Cabo Verdean law, all individuals outside their home are required to wear a face covering. U.S. citizens are reminded that all Cabo Verdean laws and regulations apply to them, and they could be arrested or fined for failure to abide accordingly.
Food and supplies are being delivered to all islands, and DHL continues to facilitate international shipping. Please visit local pharmacies to refill necessary medications and arrange shipment of any required items from the United States.
STEP and Emergency Consular Services
Announcements with new health and travel information for U.S. citizens and LPRs overseas are shared via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which is the Embassy’s primary means for communicating this information to American citizens, as well as on the Embassy’s internet site and Facebook page. We urge any U.S. citizen or LPR seeking assistance to enroll in STEP as soon as possible, or ensure that their current enrollment remains up to date, so that they have immediate access to the latest information.
Effective March 19, 2020, U.S. Embassy Praia has suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizen Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information, or contact us at PraiaConsular@state.gov.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice (“Avoid Nonessential Travel – Widespread Ongoing Transmission”).
Note: This information will continue to be sent regularly for the benefit of new registrants in STEP. Should you wish to stop receiving these updates, please send an email to PraiaConsular@state.gov requesting to be removed from STEP enrollment.
Actions to Take:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates from the Embassy.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- Consider What the U.S. Government Can and Can’t Do for Citizens in a Crisis.
- View President Trump’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airline, cruise line, or travel operator regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Cabo Verde.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Praia
Rua Abilio Macedo 6
Praia, Cabo Verde
Phone: (+238) 260-8900
PraiaConsular@state.gov
https://cv.usembassy.gov/ - State Department – Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444 - Cabo Verde Country Information
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