FAQS

As of Monday 6th April 2020 there are 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Seychelles.

As of Monday 20th April 2020, 5 persons have recovered from COVID-19 in Seychelles. Once somebody is recovered from COVID-19, the person is better and is no longer infectious.

When someone is suspected to have the virus, i.e. they meet enough of the criteria to be considered to possibly have the virus, they are have samples taken for testing for COVID-19 and they are admitted at the Anse Royale Isolation Centre for follow up and management.

The person is kept in isolation at the Anse Royale Hospital where they receive proper treatment and care.

The test for COVID-19 is available in Seychelles. All tests for the virus are conducted in the Public Health Lab of the Seychelles Hospital by qualified health professionals according to set international standards.

The Public Health Authority has set in motion the process of contact tracing, which is the tracking of anyone who possibly came into contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Through this system there is follow up and surveillance of all possible contacts.

All passengers and crew of the flight are advised that they will be contacted as part of the process of the contact tracing. Regular monitoring will be conducted by public health officers. Both passengers and crew are advised to self-isolate for a period of 14 days. In the event that you are not feeling well you are advised to call the closest health centre or the public health officer conducting follow up for advice on how to proceed.

When a Seychelles resident enters the country less than 14 days after entering the country from somewhere on the travel advisory, they are admitted into quarantine. Quarantine is mandatory for 14 days.

When a visitor arrives in Seychelles less than 14 days after travelling from a country on the travel advisory, they will not be allowed entry into the country and will be required to return to the country of departure.

Isolation is where people who are suspected to have an infectious disease and are presenting with symptoms or those who are confirmed cases of an infectious diseases are admitted. People are admitted in Isolation for treatment and medical care. The Isolation Centres are at Family Hospital in Perseverance and at the Anse Royale Hospital.

Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to an infectious disease to see if they become sick, that is present with any symptoms of a suspect infectious disease. The Quarantine facility is located at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel in Beau Vallon and the Military Academy in Perseverance.

The isolation centre can accommodate up to 10 patients. There is also the availability of two ventilators in the event that there are severe cases. In the event that more cases that this capacity is recorded, provisions are made for the Family Hospital to also be converted into an Isolation Centre. This facility has 4 ventilators available.

Quarantine restricts the movement and interaction people who are suspected to have come into contact with an infectious disease. Anyone admitted in quarantine are confined to separate quarters for 14 days. They are visited by health professionals who conduct daily surveillance and monitoring for any presentation of symptoms.

Restriction of movement

As of Thursday 9th April, new measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 came into effect. The measures that will go for 21 days are:

All shops and businesses that do not sell groceries and food will remain closed. As per the previous guidelines, grocery stores will continue to open from 6am to 6.30pm.

All workers not in essential services will not be required to physically come into work, instead they will work from home.

Members of the public will have restricted movements on the roads. They will be allowed to leave their home only to access essential services such as, to buy food, for medical assistance, to go to the bank amongst others. In these instances the police will enforce these restrictions and assist with coordinating movements.

The number of buses on the road will be limited according to the number of people in essential services requiring public transport.

All construction companies are to cease work. This will stop the transportation of large groups of construction workers from their residence to home. Additionally, Public Health Officers will work with the companies to help them improve hygiene practices and social distancing.

The Public Health Authority is advising against travel during these times.

Members of the public are advised to observe good personal hygiene. Practice frequent handwashing with soap and use hand sanitizers where available. Cover your mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and dispose of the tissue in a bin, then immediately wash hands or use alcohol based sanitisers. Additionally, if not tissue is available, cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your arms in a dab motion when coughing or sneezing. Members of the public are also strongly advised to avoid large gathering.

There is a 24hr hotline for 141 where questions and concerns can be directed. A team of operators from various cadres will be available for assistance.