RMI travel Advisory re COVID-19

REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY MINISTRY OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES P.O. Box 16 ~ Majuro ~ Marshall Islands ~ 96960 Tel. No. (692) 625-5327 Email: sechhs.rmi@gmail.com REPUBLIC OF MARSHALL ISLANDS 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATED INTERIM HEALTH TRAVEL ADVISORY & RESTRICTIONS ISSUANCE 11: As of 2 April 2020 (Subject to regular review, as required) On 30 January 2020, World Health Organization declared the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The virus was first detected in Wuhan city, Hubei Province, PRC, and subsequently cases of COVID-19 have been detected in 203 countries and territories. The new virus is a coronavirus, which is a family of viruses that include the common cold, and viruses that cause severe respiratory infections. The virus can be transmitted from person to person, similar to other influenza viruses. In response to the declaration of PHEIC, the Republic of Marshall Islands’ (RMI) former COVID-19 travel advisories and restrictions (Issuance 1: 24 January 2020, Issuance 2: 31 January 2020 and Proclamation declaring State of Emergency dated 7 February 2020, Issuance 3: 13 February 2020, Issuance 4: 26 February 2020, Issuance 5: 25 February 2020, Issuance 6: 3 March 2020, Issuance 7: 5 March 2020, Issuance 8: 7 March 2020, Issuance 9: 8 March 2020, Issuance 10: 17 March 2020) have been reviewed and updated as of 31 March 2020 (Issuance 11) with the following interim inbound and outbound travel restrictions for all visitors to RMI. Because COVID-19 is a national threat these requirements will come into effect immediately. • An extension of the total suspension of international travelers coming into the RMI via air travel until May 5, 2020. All aircraft that need to land in the RMI for refueling purposes must adhere to the National Disaster Committee approved Amata Kabua International Airport Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Periodic spot checks will be conducted on airport ground crew handling aircraft in the RMI. Ground crew not adhering to the strict no human-to-human contact protocols will be subject to immediate quarantine. • Suspension of all domestic passenger air travel between Kwajalein and Majuro on international airlines. Air travel between Kwajalein and Majuro on Air Marshalls is still permitted. • All cruise ships and yachts at this time are suspended from visiting the RMI until further notice. • Fishing vessels that transited through or departed from COVID-19 infected countries are temporarily suspended from entering the RMI ports until further notice. All fishing vessels exempted by MOHHS, RMI Ports Authority, MIMRA and RMI Immigration are strictly required to spend 14 days at sea prior to entry and must adhere to the National Disaster Committee approved Standard Operating Procedures-Maritime (SOP). Human- to-human contact is strictly prohibited. • To make sure that we can continue to allow food and supplies to enter the country, all container vessels and fuel tankers are exempt but are strictly required to spend 14 days outside of the RMI after departure and prior to arrival at the RMI Pilot Station. All container vessels and fuel tankers must adhere to the National Disaster Committee approved Standard Operating Procedures-Maritime (SOP). Human-to-human contact is strictly prohibited. • Citizens and residents of the RMI with plans to travel abroad are strongly advised to consider postponing their travel arrangements. If travel arrangements cannot be postponed, individuals should be aware that they may be subject to restrictions on reentering the RMI.

• All GRMI officials, including elected officials, SOEs and auxiliary bodies, are required to suspend all international trips paid for by the GRMI or sponsored by outside agencies or organizations with the exception of patients approved by the RMI Medical Referral Committee. • RMI Residents and Citizens who are planning to attend missions, conferences, trainings and group trips held outside of the RMI are strongly advised to postpone their travel until further notice. • The Chief Secretary, as the head of the National Disaster Committee, together with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, based on recommendations from the RMI Public Health division and the National Disaster Committee, reserve the right to make exceptions to any of the above restrictions to allow for essential services. All safety protocols developed by the Ministry of Health and Human Services in compliance with WHO and CDC guidelines will be followed in these instances. These are interim travel restrictions, which have been introduced by the Government of the RMI as part of current health emergency preparedness measures for COVID-19. These restrictions will be reviewed and updated as needed and communicated to the public. Jack Niedenthal April 2, 2020 Republic of the Marshall Islands Secretary of Health & Human Services