Travellers from hot-spot countries to undergo Rapid Covid-19 Test

“The Ministry of Health in close collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), have now progressed to conduct Rapid Diagnostic Tests as passengers arrive at the Banjul International Airport (BIA).”

“Therefore, effective immediately, the following mechanisms are now in place:

Travellers coming from hotspot countries (listed below) as identified by the Ministry of Health, will now undergo a ‘Rapid COVID-19 Test’ upon arrival at the airport in addition to having a valid COVID-19 PCR test result of 72hrs. Those travellers whose rapid test results turn negative will be allowed to go home with the advice to report to the sample collection site in case of any signs of COVID-19.

However, travellers who test positive on arrival at the B. I. A. will be subjected to a further mandatory PCR testing for confirmation of their latest COVID-19 statuses.

All other travellers from non-hotspot countries shall provide a valid negative PCR test within 72hrs. Such passengers will be allowed to go home and advised to observe a 14-day self-monitored quarantine with a condition to report for testing when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

The Ministry of Health has identified the following as hotspot countries:

1.    United Kingdom
2.    Belgium
3.    Italy
4.    USA
5.    Nigeria 
6.    France
7.    Japan
8.    Singapore
9.    Spain
10. South Africa
11. South Korea
12. Sweden
13. Jordan
14. Lebanon
15. The Netherlands
16. Turkey
17. Norway
18. India
19. Pakistan
20. Chile
21. Switzerland 
22. Denmark

The Gambia government through the Ministry of Health seeks the full compliance of the public to these new COVID-19 requirements.”