Benin lifts border restrictions related to COVID-19

By Aurore Bonny

DOUALA, Cameroon (AA) - Benin decided Wednesday to lift the measures required for the crossing of its borders as part of its management of the coronavirus pandemic.

"As of Thursday, June 16, 2022 at midnight, entry into Beninese territory, both by land, air and sea borders, is free of the presentation of any document related to COVID-19," said Health Minister Benjamin Hounkpatin in a statement.

Hounkpatin said the government took the decision because of the current evolution of the pandemic in the world in general and in Benin in particular.

Authorities in the West African country have urged the population to get vaccinated in order to protect themselves against the severe form of COVID-19.

Benin recorded its first case of the coronavirus on March 12, 2020 -- a Burkinabe citizen who returned home after visiting Belgium, according to health authorities.

Since then, the Health Ministry has reported 26,309 confirmed cases, including 640 under treatment, 25,506 recoveries and 163 deaths among a population of more than 12 million inhabitants.