Is there any confirmed coronavirus on Mount Kilimanjaro?
So far no case has been confirmed on any climbers trekking Mount Kilimanjaro but Tanzania, in general, has confirmed additional cases, becoming one of at least 30 countries across Africa to have confirmed cases of coronavirus, making Tanzania and Somalia the latest East African Countries to have confirmed cases alongside Kenya with neighbors Tanzania to the North.
According to the Tanzanian health minister, Ummy Mwalimu, the first confirmed coronavirus patient in Tanzania is a 46-year-old Tanzanian woman who arrived in Arusha, at the Kilimanjaro International Airport from Belgium on March 14th, 2020.
Is it still safe to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Many countries are enforcing strict travel restrictions or travel bans, as they come up with new daily implementation policies.
Most commercial airlines from many countries especially the ones affected more like Italy, Spain, China, United States, and other European countries have reduced or suspended routes to and from the most affected areas as well as a significant reduction due to less air traveler traffic.
As new country lockdowns and travel restrictions are being introduced daily, it is advisable to check with your country’s travel advisory and air carrier before flying. In addition, many restaurants and attractions in Moshi Town, Arusha and new Mount Kilimanjaro have closed to avoid social gatherings.
If you have jetted into Tanzania or started climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and symptoms do occur, you are advised to report to your mountain guide immediately for assistance as we have helicopter rescue available on Mount Kilimanjaro then seek medical care and inform healthcare providers of their symptoms and their travel history.
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus and how do I protect myself?
Common signs of COVID-19 infection may include running short of breath, having difficulty breathing, fever and cough. In more serious cases, it can lead to pneumonia, organ failure, and even death.
Who is at more risk of the coronavirus
How does one get infected of COVID-19
Is there a Coronavirus vaccine?
At the moment of writing this article, there is currently no breakthrough in finding the vaccine against COVID-19 yet but scientists and researchers are still doing their best.
How to protect yourself from Coronavirus Infection
To protect yourself against the COVID-19 infection, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:
- Washing your hands and sanitizing thoroughly and regularly with an alcohol-based sanitizer, or simply with soap and water
- Maintaining a distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing as directed by the WHO
- Avoiding touching your face including eyes, nose and mouth
- Seeking medical care a soon as possible if you are showing symptoms
For more information on COVID-19 and Mount Kilimanjaro climbs, you can contact us here.
What countries have reported cases of COVID-19?
Most countries on all continents have reported COVID-19 cases apart from the extremely cold continent of Antarctica.
You can track the disease globally in real-time with this interactive map from John Hopkins University.
How will it affect Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, Ruwenzori, Oldonyo lengai and Mount Meru Climbing?
Resources for following COVID-19’s impact on transportation:
- Airfarewatchdog Blog: COVID-19 Flight waivers and refund policies by airline
- Airfarewatchdog Blog: COVID-19 Flight cancellations by region and airline
- Cruise Critic: Coronavirus – Cruise Ship Policies and Cancellations
Most travel insurance will not cover cancellations as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Tranquil Kilimanjaro will understand of you postpone your mountain climbing trip rather than canceling it.
How can I learn more?
Here’s a list we made for reference from government, academic, non-profit, and news resources for learning more about COVID-19:
Global advice:
World Health Organization
News coverage
By region and country:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Airline updates
News coverage
Tripadvisor Forum thread for travellers to the United States
European Commission
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
News coverage
Tripadvisor Forum thread for travellers to Europe
Health Ministry
News coverage
Tourism Authority of Thailand Newsroom
News coverage
Below is an interactive live map reporting coronavirus cases.
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