Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Accra, Ghana

Location:  Ghana

Event:  The Ghana Health Service has confirmed 11 cases of COVID-19 in the country.

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departurefrom any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.

On March 15, the Government of Ghanaimplemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available. Ghana has barred admission to travelers who have recently visited countries with 200 or more cases of COVID-19 within the prior 14 days, with the exception of Ghanaian citizens and holders of Ghanaian residence permits. Visit the website of the Ghana Health Servicefor additional information on these new measures.

Also on March 15, the Government of Ghana implemented additional measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.  Schools and universities are closed until further notice, and sporting events, festivals, gatherings larger than 25 people have been banned.  Visit the local government COVID-19 website for updated information.

On March 18, the U.S. Embassy temporarily suspended routine visa services.  Emergency and Routine American Citizen Services remain open.  Please visitour websitefor additional information.

Many travelers worldwidehave reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability.  If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.  Emirates Airlines will cease operations in Ghana on March 20th.  Delta Airlines and Brussels Air will cease operations in Ghana on March 21st. KLM and Air France will considerably reduce their flights worldwide.

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 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.

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