Ivory Coast closes schools and bans tourists

Ivory Coast has stepped up its response to the coronavirus pandemic by temporarily barring entry to foreign visitors from heavily affected countries. 

Authorities issued a statement on Monday saying the ban would only apply to countries with more than 100 confirmed cases of the virus: this includes the USA, France, the UK and most of Europe. 

Only Ivorian nationals and permanent residents of the country will be permitted to enter from abroad for the next 15 days and will be subject to a mandatory two-week quarantine on arrival. 

President Alassane Ouattara and the security council have also ordered the closure of all schools and universities for a period of 30 days from Tuesday. 

From midnight on Wednesday, nightclubs and other places of entertainment will close for 15 days, subject to a government review.

The ban extends to all gatherings of more than 50 people, including sporting and cultural events. 

Ivory Coast has three confirmed cases of coronavirus so far and no recorded deaths. 

Photo: AFP