From the Ambassador to all American citizens in Cote d’Ivoire:
I regret to announce that the special commercial Ethiopian Airlines flight to the United States proposed for Sunday will no longer be possible. Regardless of this disappointing setback, the Embassy continues to work tirelessly to arrange an evacuation flight as soon as possible for American citizens and family members who wish to return to the United States. The safety of American citizens is my highest priority, and my team and I continue to work with the highest levels of the State Department to facilitate the travel of those who want to go home.
The scope of this epidemic is unprecedented, and efforts to stop it must also be unprecedented. The measures taken have been recommended by some of the most experienced epidemiologists and medical experts in the world. That includes the Ivoirian Government’s stringent internal travel restrictions which aim to limit the spread of COVID-19 outside the capital. Please adhere to strict social distancing and hygiene and comply with all instructions of the Ivoirian Government. For those Americans outside Abidjan, we are aware of the impact the restrictions may have on you personally and are engaging with senior levels of the Ivoirian Government to allow you to travel to Abidjan when a flight becomes available.
Please continue to monitor these messages and the Embassy’s COVID19 designated webpage for additional information. Our Consular Section can also be reached at 225 22 49 45 94 or AbjAmcit@state.gov.
Again, your safety and that of your family is my highest concern. Please take care of yourselves and each other and stay positive. We will get through this.
Rick Bell
Ambassador