Angola this Thursday announced new measures to halt the import of new strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into the country, including the temporary suspension of air links with Portugal, Brazil and South Africa, as of January 24, and mandatory post-landing tests.
"These post-landing tests, in a first phase, will be free of charge. We will assess the situation and take measures, but for this emergency situation of repatriation they will be free of charge," said Health Minister Silvia Lutucuta, at a press conference in Luanda.
The minister stressed that, given the emergence of new variants, with greater potential for contagion, and the need to allow the return of Angolan citizens, it was necessary to adopt containment measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
"The best alternative is home quarantine, increasing the safety of testing," she said.
If the result of the rapid test (antigen) is negative, the passenger will go to the home quarantine, which will last for 10 days, but if it is positive, he will be immediately subjected to institutional isolation.
Currently, Angola already requires passengers to carry out a pre-boarding test RT-PCR, carried out up to 72 hours before the flight, as well as home quarantine for seven days, after which it is necessary to carry out a new test to detect the SARS- CoV-2 to be discharged.
The Minister of State and Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic, Adão de Almeida, considered that the main challenge will be to manage the test after landing in national territory, appealing to the understanding of citizens to avoid embarrassment.
Despite Angola suspending direct connections with Portugal, Brazil and South Africa, operated by carriers TAP and TAAG, other airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, Qatar Airaways and Emirates will maintain regular flights, according to Transport Minister Ricardo of Abreu.
