Covid-19: antigenic test compulsory on arrival for travelers coming from Guyana

This is an indirect consequence of the situation in Brazil.

Travelers from Guyana must undergo an antigen test for Covid-19 on their arrival in Paris since Wednesday, RTL announced on Thursday, information which was confirmed to us by the Ministry of the Interior.

Currently, a PCR test of less than 72 hours and a compelling family reason are required for people arriving in mainland France from Guyana.

From now on, an antigen test is also carried out at Orly airport.

Wide distribution of the Brazilian variant

Guyana, French territory in South America, borders Brazil.

In this country very strongly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, a variant of the disease is raging.

Its contagiousness and mortality, especially among the youngest, as well as its resistance to vaccines, would be more pronounced than for the other variants.

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Due to the exchanges between Brazil and Guyana and the porosity of the border in the tropical forest zone, despite its closure, the variant circulating in Brazil is widely distributed in Guyana.

An official from the Institut Pasteur in Guyana explains to franceinfo that 85% of current cases correspond to the Brazilian variant.

The authorities have therefore chosen to strengthen controls.

In addition, France decided this week to suspend, until April 19, flights flights between Brazil and France.

Details are expected in the coming days.