a member states€¦ · • the majority of services and businesses will be able to reopen....

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MEASURES IN PLACE IN MEMBER STATES

COVID-19 Response Measures 2

This publication comprises a listing of measures that COMESA Member States have put in place to contain the spread of the Corona virus. They cover trade facilitation and support to

businesses, protection of the vulnerable from the impact of the spread of the virus and other relevant measures. It also includes the support received from the international community Aid agencies. A trendline on the number of cases reported has also been included as well as the contacts of the focal points in the Ministries that coordinate COMESA activities in Member States.

This document is updated on a regular basis to take into account the new measures that governments are putting in place in response to the changing circumstances.

The data and information are drawn from monitoring press briefings of the national COVID-19 response taskforces and other open sources.

Compiled by:Trade and Customs Division &Governance, Peace and Security Unit

Published by Corporate Communications

COMESA Secretariat

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Burundi

BackgroundThe first case of COVID-19 was reported on 31 March 2020

BACKGROUND

Preventive Measures in Place

• SuspensionofpassengerflightsinandoutofBurundifrom22ndMarch2020.• Allborderswereclosedexceptforcargo.Travelersareadvisedthatiftheyplan

tocrosstheborderfromRwandaintoBurundi,theymaybedeniedentry• Mandatoryquarantinefor14daysforthoseexposedorsuspectedofhavingthe

virus.• Asfrom7thJuly2020,masstestingcampaignlaunchedinBujumburaCity.Other

measuresputinplaceinclude:• reduction on the price of soap and water to enhance and ensure

accessibility,• provisionofmaskstothecitizens,• healthpersonnelequippedwithprotectivemasks,• hygienetobemaintainedinpublictransportvehiclesandpassengersto

wearmasks.• Limitedaccesstohotelpremises.• Sensitization and awareness campaigns have been created through TV and

Radio.• Installationofhandsanitizersandwaterforhandwashinginpublicplaces.• Theauthoritieshaveaskedhospitalstomakebedsavailableforpotentialcases

(20foreachnationalhospitaland5foreachlocalhospital).

Trade Facilitation / Business Support

• FromthenewCOVID19governmentdirectives/guidelines,allbordersarenowopenforcargomovement.Cargoflightsarestilloperating.

Coordinating Ministry (National Contact Points)

DirecteurgénéralduCommerce Ministèreducommerce,del’Industrie,etduTourisme B.P.492BUJUMBURA RépubliqueduBurundi Tél:+25779927041,+25722242833 E-mail:[email protected] BurundiEmbassyinLusaka:Email:[email protected] [email protected]



• Asfrom11thAugust2020,thewearingofprotectivefacemasksismandatoryinpublicplaces.Inaddition,allweddingsandpublicgatheringsremainprohibiteduntilfurthernotice.

• Thenumberofpassengersinpublictransportremainslimitedto10peopleinbusesandfourintaxisbeginning11thAugust2020.

• AdherencetobarriersasannouncedbythePresidentincludingregularwashingofhands,socialdistancing(1-2meters),etc.

• Closureofallschoolsandeducationalinstitutionsofhigherlearningeffective20thMarch2020.

• Prohibitionsofgatheringsofmorethan20people• BanofcollectiveprayersincludingFridayprayers(blesseddayforMuslims)• FlightsbetweenComorosandtheislandsofMayotteandtheRéunionsuspended• Quarantinemeasuresimplementedfortravellersfrom,orthosewhohavetransited

troughCOVID-19-infectedcountries• Nightcurfewstorestrictmovementsfrom20:00-05:00hours.


• Closing of sea and air borders (except for cargo ships and/or specialevacuations)

• Support for economic operators and households (reduction of customsduties,deferraloftaxobligations,etc.)

• Importtaxesonfood,medicines,anditemsrelatedtohygienereducedby30percent.

• Afundtosupportemployeesassociatedwithairportoperationscreated.• TheCentralBankreducedreserverequirementsto10percent.• Theauthoritiesannouncedarestructuringofcommercialloansandfreezing

ofinterestratesinsomecommercialloans.


Ministresdel’Economie,desInvestissements,chargédel’IntégrationEconomiqueMORONI,UniondesComores

Tél:+2693326669,+2693391015,+2693215858Email:[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Comoros

BackgroundFirst case of Corona virus was confirmed on 30 April 2020

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• Formation of a COVID-19 Task Force and a coordination team in thegovernmenton18MarchandissuanceofPresidentialDecreedeclaringaStateofEmergency.

• PresidentTshisekediannouncedon23rdJulyanendtotheCovid-19HealthEmergencyDecreeenforcedsince24thMarch2020.Healsoannounced thereopeningofbusinessactivities,schoolsandborders.

• Primaryschools,secondaryschoolsanduniversitiesreopenedon10thAugust2020aftermorethanfourmonthsofsuspensionamidCOVID-19.

• AsfromWednesday22ndJuly2020,allshops,banks,restaurants,cafes,andbarsaswellassocialgatheringsandpublictransportresumedoperations

• Placesofworship,stadiums,airportsandotherportsofentryandinternationalborderswillbereopenedfrom15thAugust2020. Nightclubs,stadiumsandentertainmentvenueswillalsoresumebusinessasfrom15thAugust2020.

• Mandatorywearingofmasksinpublicplaces.• Suspension of allmajor international passenger flights into and out of the

countryfrom20Marchuntilfurthernotice.However,cargoflightsallowedtooperate

• Declarationofa48-hour-longtotalconfinementfrom23March2020inKatangaprovince.

• ReleasebyGovernmentof1,200inmatesfromMakalaPrisonandotherprisonfacilitieson7thApriltodecongesttheprisons

• Banofinter-provincialtravelfrom24thMarch• Prohibitionofallgatheringsofpeopleinpublicspaces• Shutdownofallland,seaandairborderstopassenger,privateorcommercial

travelfrom24thMarch• Thedevelopmentofaresponsenationalplanwithanestimatedbudgetof• $135million(0.3percentofGDP)to:

i. Strengthen early detection and surveillance and foster coordinationwithinthegovernment.ExpertsthathelpeddiscoverEbolachargedtocoordinatethemechanism

ii. Improvethequalityofmedicalcaretoinfectedpatients;and

Democratic Republic of Congo

BackgroundThe first case was reported on 10 March 2020



iii. Develop preventive communication strategies and enhance medicallogisticplatforms.

• DashboardthatshowscurrentinformationandinformationonCOVID-19putinplaceon:https://www.stopcoronavirusrdc.info/


• Continuation with mineral export trade from Lubumbashi despite 24-hourlockdownon28April2020

• ThebordersareopenandCustomsofficersareonduty• Measurestofacilitatethecross-bordermovementofreliefconsignmentsand

essential supplies include: Emergency collection of in-bond pharmaceuticalinputs and products; Limitation of Customs controls to what is strictlynecessary; Authorization tomake incomplete and provisional declarations;Exemptionfromdutiesandtaxesonpharmaceuticalsuppliesandequipmentandessentialsupplies,inaccordancewithgovernmentinstructions.

• Measures put in place to support the economy and ensure supply chaincontinuity include: Access to goods removal credit; Adoption of measuresallowingpaymentby instalmentsofCustomsduties taxesandofpenalties;Suspension of checks at outposts; Action to facilitate compliancewith theformalitiesforCustomsclearanceofgoods;Measuresadoptedinaccordancewithgovernmentguidelines,inparticularasregardsexemptionfromdutiesandtaxesonpharmaceuticalinputsandmedicalequipmentandthesuspensionofValue-AddedTax(VAT)onimportsofbasicnecessities.

• Measures to ensure protection for Customs Administration personnel andother border authorities at the border. Measures put in place to facilitatethe cross-border movement of relief consignments and essential suppliesinclude:Emergencycollectionofin-bondpharmaceuticalinputsandproducts;LimitationofCustoms controls towhat is strictly necessary; Authorizationtomakeincompleteandprovisionaldeclarations;Exemptionfromdutiesandtaxesonpharmaceutical supplies and equipment and essential supplies, inaccordancewithgovernmentinstructions.

• Measurestosupporttheeconomyandensuresupplychaincontinuityinclude:Access to goods removal credit; Adoption of measures allowing paymentby instalments of Customs duties and taxes and of penalties; Suspensionof checks at outposts; Action to facilitate compliance with the formalitiesfor Customs clearance of goods; Measures adopted in accordance withgovernment guidelines, in particular as regards exemption from duties andtaxesonpharmaceuticalinputsandmedicalequipmentandthesuspensionofValue-AddedTax(VAT)onimportsofbasicnecessities.

• Measures to ensure protection for Customs Administration personnel andotherborderauthoritiesattheborder.

• Kasumbalesaborderopenbut limitedflows / inboundflows / trafficoutofZambia Freight services and emergency transportation exempted from thePresidentialDecreebansubjecttostrictscreeningofcrewsbeforeadmittancetoallowentryofcargo.

• Promotionofuseofe-paymentstoreducecontaminationrisksinbanknotes.• FasttrackingofASYCUDAWorldImplementationapproved.• ThroughtheCentralBank(BCC)on24Marchtoeaseliquidityconditionssuch


MinistredesAffairesEtrangèresetdelaCoopérationInternationale238,AvenuedelaJusticeKINSHASA/GOMBERépubliqueDémocratiqueduCongoTél:+243998126526,+243818118061Courriel:[email protected]@gmail.comDRCEmbassyinLusaka:Tél:+260975852896,Courriel:[email protected]

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PreventiveMeasuresinPlace

• TheDjiboutiGovernmenthassetupanInter-MinisterialCommitteechairedbythePrimeMinisterandsubcommitteeshavebeenestablishedtoobservethesituationandimpact.

• Anation-widelockdownisinplace,exceptforessentialservices.• Djibouti-AmbouliInternationalAirportopenedforcommercialflightsbeginning

17thJuly2020.AllpassengersenteringDjiboutiaretestedforCOVID-19uponarrivalbyMinistryofHealthpersonnel.Seaportsandborderpostsareopento receiveoutsiders. UponarrivalatAmbouli InternationalAirport, travelersidentifiedwiththeviruseithergointoisolationandtreatmentordepartDjiboutionthenextflightwithoutleavingtheairport.

• On16thJuly2020,theMinistryofHealthissuedacircularnoteonthereopeningofborders,specifyingthehealthprotocolsforpassengers.TravelerscomingtoDjibouti by air/sea/landmust be screened for COVID-19 upon arrival atports of entry. In addition, travelers coming toDjiboutimust be equippedwithprotectivemasksatthetimeofdepartureorarrivalatthepointsofentry,respect thephysicaldistanceofonemeter, ifpossible,atallstagesof thejourneyandcarryahydro-alcoholicgelthroughoutthetrip.

• Airlines may require passengers heading to Djibouti to show a negativeCOVID-19testcertificatebeforeallowingthemtoboardtheirflight.

• Gatheringsofmorethantenpeoplenotallowed.• Useoffacialmasksinallpublicorprivatespacesinwhichsocialdistancing

cannotbeobservedismandatory.• Publicandprivateconstructionactivitiesallowedtooperate.• Traffic has been restricted to the minimum and is only allowed with

administrativeauthorization.• Hotelsresumednormaloperationson30thJune2020.• Restaurantsandcafes reopenedon16thJune2020withsocialdistancing

andhygienemeasuresinplace;• Conferencerooms,eventhalls,andcinemasarecloseduntil1stSeptember

2020;• Grocerystoresandretailoutletshavereopened.

Djibouti

BackgroundFirst case was reported on 18 March 2020


PreventiveMeasuresinPlace

• Leisureandamusementsitesaswellashotelshavereopened.• Closureofeducationalinstitutions,sportseventsandbars.Schoolstoremain

closeduntil2ndSeptember2020–thestartofthenextschoolyear;• Placesofworshipreopenedbutmustfollowverystrictmeasuresofensuring

protectionincludingwearingoffacialmasksandsocialdistancing.• Quarantinesitestobeestablishedfor infectedpersonsandcontacttracing

proceduresputinplace.• TheWorldBankhasprovidedDjiboutiwithUS$5millioncredittowardsefforts

toprevent,detect,andrespondtotherapidspreadofCOVID-19.• The World Health Organization has delivered protective equipment to the

MinistryofHealthincludinggoggles,surgicalgowns,gloves,facemasksandhandsprayers.WHOhasalsoordered500testmachinesand80respiratorsforCOVID-19preparednessinthecountry.

TradeFacilitation/BusinessSupport

• Cargomovementofgoodsandservicespermitted.• Only commercial traffic to/fromEthiopia allowed throughGalafi border. At

Galafi,ahealthcheckpointhasbeensetuptoscreenpeopleforCovid-19.• Port communities have raised awareness among Ethiopian drivers on

compliancewithbarriermeasuresandbrochuresinAmhariclanguagewereproducedanddisseminatedtothelatter.

• The Djibouti Port and Corridor is still operational, and no case has beendetected.Analertingprotocolisimplementedbytheportcommunities.

• Slighttruckshortageexperiencedduetospikeindemandanddrivers’fearofCOVID-19.

• DjiboutiPortsandFreeZonesAuthority(DPFZA)introducedonlinepaymentgatewayfacilityfortheportcommunityinordertolimitphysicalvisitstoportsandfree-zonespremisesanddecreaseonlinedocumentationcompletiontime,enablesavingsontransportationwhilerespectinggovernmentmeasurestocontainthespreadofthepandemic

• Djibouti made 82.5% reduction in port tariffs and granted Free TerminalHandlingChargesfor60days, fromThursday,April16th,2020forEthiopiaexportcargototheworldgatedinDjiboutiPorts.

CoordinatingMinistry(NationalContactPoints)

MinistreDéléguéauprèsduMinistredel’ÉconomieetdesFinances,chargéduCommerce,desPMEdel’Artisanat,duTourismeetdelaFormalisationB.P.24DJIBOUTIRépubliquedeDjiboutiTél:+25321325441+25377851345+25321355177Fax:+25321354909Courriel:[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

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• Officialconferencesandmeetingsallowedfrom27thJuly2020atamaximumof50participantsprovidedthatthecapacityofthehallinwhichtheconferenceormeetingtakesplaceisnolessthan100people.

• MajorexhibitionswillbeallowedstartinginOctober2020.• Re-opening of mosques from 1st July 2020 for daily prayers but Friday and

Saturdayprayersnotallowed.Toiletsandceremonialhallsatworshipplacestoremainclosedaswell.

• Publicparksandbeachestoremainclosed.• Publictransportresumedandoperatesbetween4a.m.andmidnight.• Restaurantsandcafeshaveresumedoperationswith25percentcapacity andto

closeby10:00p.m.Othershopscloseby9:00p.m.• Restrictionofpublicgatheringsinschools,universities,bars,clubs,malls,public

transport,publicgatheringplacesandtourists’locations.• Theatres,cinemas,andmuseumshavebeenreopenedwithlimitedcapacity.• Hotels allowed to re-open, provided they abide by strict hygiene measures

stipulatedbythegovernment,at25%occupancyrateinMayand50%occupancyrateinJune. ReopenedhotelstomandatoryacquirehygienesafetycertificatefromtheJointInspectionCommissionofboththeMinistriesofTourismandHealth. By18thJuly,31morehotelsfortouristswereopenedraisingthenumberofhotelsreopenednationwideto572.

• Preparation of medical sites nationwide in anticipation of the escalation ofCovid-19patients.

• Releasedover4,000prisonerstopreventovercrowdinginprisonsandcontainthespreadoftheCoronavirus.

• ThegovernmenthasexpandedthecashtransferprogramsknownasTakafulandKarama(SolidarityandDignity). Inaddition, thegovernmenthas institutednewprograms to provide cash transfers to irregular workers who are substantiallyaffectedbythecrisisanddistributemedicalandsanitationkitstopoorvillages.

• Fiscalpolicy isbeingeased tosupport theeconomyandaddresscrisisneeds,including increases in health spending (26 percent) and social protection (10percent).

Egypt

BackgroundThe first case reported on 14 February 2020



• EgyptAirresumedflightsto24destinationsfromJuly2020.• Flightsandtourismactivitiesresumed in thefollowingthreegovernorates:Red

Sea,MarsaMatrouh,andSouthSinai.• MandatoryquarantineforvisitorswhotestpositiveforCoronavirusinagovernment

isolationhospital.• Adoption of an integrated plan which covers early detection, quarantine and

treatmentmeasures,aswellasraisingpublicawareness.• Schools,universitiesandcollegesandallsportingactivitiesclosed.• All services provided by ministries and governorates to citizens, such as civil

registryservices,workpermits,passportsandrenewaloftrafficlicenses,areallsuspended.

• Securingfoodstuffandgoodsinpreparationforthemonthsahead.• Allocation100billionEgyptianpounds(6.35billionU.S.dollars)tofinancetheanti-

COVID-19comprehensiveplananditsprecautionarymeasures.• Increasednumberofmetrocoachesinoperation• Dailysterilizationoffallterminals,meansoftransportandroads.• Publictransportoperatorsnottocarrymorethan50%ofcapacityofconveyance• Decontaminationof7500buildingsincludinggovernmentadministrativebuilding

andtouristfacilities.• Thegovernmentisintroducingmeasurestopartiallyoffsettherevenueshortfall

such as promoting green recovery through a fee on the consumption of fuelproducts.

• ThegovernmenthashastenedstructuralreformsthatbeganundertheExtendedFund Facility. The reforms being undertaken include streamlining the financialoperationsofstate-ownedenterprisesandeconomicauthorities,strengtheningcompetitionby levellingthemarkettoencourageSMEsandamendmentof thecustomslawtoimproveEgypt’sinvestmentclimate.

• Limitingcashwithdrawalsanddepositstoavoidovercrowdingduringpayrollandpensiondisbursement.Adailylimitof10,000Egyptianpounds(around630USD)forindividualsand50,000(around3180USD)forbusinessesisapplied.

• LaunchedanonlineawarenesscampaignagainstCOVIDusinganimation.Thisisalsoaimedatcurbingmisinformation.

• StartingMay30,peopleshouldwearfacemasksinpublicplaces,withviolatorsfined4,000pounds($250)bypolice

• Slightliftingofovernightcurfewtostartat9pminsteadof8pm.Shoppingmallsthatwereoriginallyorderedtoclosetoremainopenuntil5pm

• TheinternationalMonetaryFundapprovedanadditionalloanofUSD5.2billionon27thJune2020tohelpEgyptamelioratetheeconomicimpactsofCOVID-19.

• On14thMarch, thegovernmentannouncedaUSD6.4billionstimuluspackageallocating 20 billion Egyptian pounds ($1.2bn) to support the country’s stockexchange.

• ReductionofTariffs:USD4.50permillionBritishThermalUnit(mmBtu)(previouslyUSD6.00permmBtuforcementcompaniesandUSD5.50permmBtuformetallurgyandceramicmanufacturers).

• Reductioninthepriceofelectricityfor“heavyindustries”fromEGP1.10toEGP0.10(c.USD0.0064)perkilowatthour.Electricitypricesfrozenforotherindustriesfor3-5years.

• TheExportSubsidyFundwill payout theentireEGP1billion inarrearsduringMarchandApril,plus10%incashpaymentstoexportersduringJune2020.

• TheCentralBankofEgyptdecreasedinterestratesfrom13.75%to10.75%.• TheCentralBankofEgyptextendedthetenorofallbankloanstobusinessesfor

sixmonthsandprovidesdebtreliefforindividuals.

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• TheNationalBankofEgyptannouncedaone-yearsavingsdepositprogramwitha15%interestrate.

• TheFinancialRegulatoryAuthorityhasannouncedanextensionto15JuneforEGXlistedcompaniestosubmittheirfinancialstatementsforQ42019(originaldeadline30April).

• TheexemptionfromthetaxationofcapitalgainsonsecuritieslistedontheEgyptianstockexchange(EGX)forEgyptianresidentswillbeextendedto1January2022(originallyduetoexpire17May2020).

• The exemption from the taxation of capital gains on securities listed on theEgyptianstockexchange(EGX)fornon-residentswillbemadepermanent.

• WithholdingtaxondividendspaidbycompanieslistedontheEGXreducedfrom10%to5%.

• From25March2020,theEgyptianMinistryofTradeandIndustry(theForeignTradeSector)putthefollowingmeasuresinplace(i)documents,suchascommercialinvoices, would be accepted without being accredited by the Chambers ofCommerce(thisusuallybeingarequirement)and(ii)certificatesoforiginwouldbeacceptedwithoutauthorizationfromtheEgyptianEmbassyabroad.

• StampdutyontransactionsontheEgyptianstockexchange(EGX)willbereducedfrom0.15%to0.125%fornon-residents.

• Three-monthextensionfor thepaymentofpropertytaxesforcompanies intheindustrialandtourismsector.

• Thegrantofan“immediate”financingfortheimportofkeycommodities.• TradebetweenEgyptandSaudiArabiatobedonethroughtrailersonlywithout

truckerbyusingROROships.• GeneralAuthority for InvestmentandFreeZones(GAFI)currentlypermits local

companiestoholdtheirmeetingsvirtuallyviaconferenceand/orvideocalls.• TheEGXdevelopedelectronictradingsupportsystemsallowingremoteaccess

toseveralplatforms,includingcustomercoding,electronicmembershipsystem,financialsolvency,andOMNIaccounts.

• AllocationofUSD6.35billiontoraisewagesandpension• Openeduphotelstoallowfordomestictourismonconditionthattheyoperateat

nomorethan25percentcapacityandadheretoarrangeofotherhealthmeasures• Provide3-monthtaxreliefforRealEstatetaxesfortourismandindustrialsectors;• AUSD2.7billionloanwasrequestedandgrantedbytheIMF,asanemergency

support;• Write-offEGP17billionfrom226distressedfirms• Starting1stJuly2020scheduledinternationalflightsandforeigntouristsallowed

totraveltoresortsthathavebeenleastaffectedbythecoronavirus.


MinistryofTradeandIndustryCAIROArabRepublicofEgyptTel:+20(2)2342190Fax:+20227940554Fax:+20(2)23422197Email:[email protected]; [email protected]:E-mail:[email protected]; [email protected] Tel:+260-211-251151,Fax:+260-211-250284



• Lockdownwasdeclaredon2ndApril2020.• NationalTaskForceonCOVID-19wasestablishedathighandlowerlevelsand

hasissuedregulationsandimplementingGuidelines.• AllentryvisastoEritreasuspended.• Allcitizens,exceptthoseengagedinindispensabledevelopmentalandsecurity

tasksdirectedtostayathome.• Onlyamaximumoftwomembersofahouseholdareallowedtogooutfromtheir

homestobuyessentialfooditemsduringtheday.Thisconditionalpermissionalsoholdsforemergencymedicaltreatment.

• All tradingactivitiesand transactionsbanned.Similarly,weeklymarkets thatoccurinvariouspartsofthecountryalsotoremainclosed.

• All government institutions ceased from performing routine services andfunctions to focus on indispensable developmental and security tasks andmostpublicsectoremployeestostayathome.

• People that have been confined to their homes are not allowed to use theirprivate cars during the period of lockdown, except the citizens employed ininstitutionsthathavebeenallowedtocontinuetheirfunctions.Allpublicandprivate education institutions that will continue their operationswill have to strictly observe social distancingandall personnel of thepublic andprivatebodiesthatwillcontinuetheiroperationswillbe issuedwithpermitsby theirrespectiveinstitutions.

• From 17th May 2020 random and extensive COVID-19 testing carried out.ResidentsofAsmara, frontlinehealthworkers,and residentsofborderareasare targeted. Foodproduction, supplyandprocessingenterprisesaswell asgrocerystores,pharmaciesandbankswillcontinuetoprovideservices.Theseinstitutionswillcloseat8:00p.m.everyevening.


• Major productive and service sectors (manufacturing, food processing,construction,andtransport)allowedtocontinueoperations.

• Citizensintheruralareasengagedinfarmingandanimalhusbandryallowedtocontinuetheiroccupationalactivities.

Eritrea


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MinistryofTradeandIndustryP.O.Box1844ASMARAStateofEritreaTel:+2911117103,Fax:+2911120586;+2911124175Email:[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

TheEritreanAmbassadortoKenyaandPermanentRepresentativetoCOMESANewWauminiHouse2ndFloorPOBox38651Westlands, NAIROBIKenyaTel:+254-2-443164,Fax:+254-2-443165,E-mail:[email protected]



• The Government established the Cabinet sub-committee, EmergencyTaskForce,RegionalandSectorCommitteesto implementtheCOVID-19EmergencyPlananddeclaredanationalstateofemergency

• Partiallockdowntocontinue.• Governmentannouncedaone-monthextensionoftheNationalEmergency

inEswatiniwitheffectfrom19May2020.• Operationpermitsfornon-essentialbusinessesrevokedbeginning24April,

that include car dealerships, craft vendors, photographic studios, agentsand consultants, dry cleaners, driving schools, furniture shops, generaldealersnotsellingfood items,carwashbusiness,casinosandgamblingshops,clothingshops(excludingbabyshops)

• Onlyessentialsectorsas identifiedallowedtooperateandtoalsofollowWHOGuidelines;

• Suspensionofprivateandpublicgatheringsof50peopleormore• Closureofschools• Suspensionofnon-essentialtravelforallcitizens• Recruitment and training of health workers, including scheduled onsite

trainingsofarmypersonnelonscreeningatinformalpointsofentry• Intensive screening and mandatory self-isolation for residents/citizens

comingfromhighriskcountries,• Enhancedcoordinationandcollaborationamongstakeholdersthroughone

channelofcommunicationandconductingjointinspections,• Collaboration with neighboring countries through sharing of information

onnationaldevelopmentsthatimpactthemovementofgoodsacrosstheborder,

• ProvisionofPPEtostaffandsensitizationonthepandemic,• Restrictedentrytoforeignnationalscomingfromhigh-riskcountries.• The Government issued a supplementary budget for public healthcare

amountingtoE100million(app.US$5.38million)or0.14percentofGDP.• Redirectedlowpriorityrecurrentspendingtothefightagainstthepandemic

andhealthinfrastructure• Banonalcoholproductionanddistributionfortwomonthsstarting1July

2020.

Eswatini

BackgroundThe first coronavirus case was reported on 13 March 2020.

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• OnJuly29th2020EswatinisecuredUS$110.4million(100percentofquota)fromtheIMFinemergencyfinancialassistanceundertheRapidFinancingInstrument)tomeettheurgentbalanceofpaymentneedsstemmingfromtheCOVID-19pandemic.

• The Fiscal Year 2020-21 (FY20/21) supplementary budget reprioritizespublicspending towardshealthcareandsupport tovulnerablegroups tomitigatetheimpactofthecrisisonhouseholdsandbusinesses.

• On25thJuly2020theEswatiniCentralBankcut itsbaserateby25basispointsto3.75%tocounteracoronavirus-linkeddownturn.

• Contact Point for information on measures affecting trade set up andappointedincludingthecontactdetailsprovided.

• ManufacturingandProcessing:• Government recommended the introduction of more shifts to limit the

numberofemployeesinfactoryfloorsandrestrictthenumberofemployeesinanydefinedworkingarea.

• Businesses obliged to ensure compliance with the World HealthOrganization’ssocialdistancingguidelines(1.5-meterdistancebetween2individuals).


• Intermsofhygienethefollowingforbusinessestocomplywith:o Reinforcementofcleaningandsanitizationprotocols,o AtPointofSale(POS),thereshallbeadedicatedresourcewhosesolejob

willbetoenforcesocialdistancingmeasuresaspatronsmakepaymentfortheirshopping.

o Managementobligedtoensurethatatnopointintimedoesthenumberofpeopleexceed20 insideanyestablishment.Forsmaller retailshops, thisfigureshallevenbelower.Inanyevent,socialdistancingof1.5metresapartshallbeobservedwithoutfail.Sanitisecounters,doorsandareassubjecttofrequentcontactbypeople.

o ManagementobligedtoenforcethesemeasuresatalltimesandtheMinistryofCommerce,IndustryandTradewiththehelpofdulyauthorisedagenciessuchasBusinessEswatiniandFESBCshallensurecompliance.

o Employers to ensure that public transport in which their employers aretransportedaresanitizedbothatboardinganddisembarking.

• On7May2020, thegovernmentannounced theeasingof restrictionsasfollows:

o ManufacturingandProductioncompaniesthathaveinternationalorderstofulfil-understrictWHOandMinistryofHealthGuidelines.

o AgentsandConsultantstooperatethreetimesaweeko FurnitureShopstoopenthreetimesaweek;Tuesday,ThursdayandFriday

between9amand3pm.o DryCleanerstoalsooperateundersimilarconditionsasfurnitureshops.o RetailClothingShops, tailorsanddressmakers(thatproducefacemasks

andPPE)tooperatethreetimesaweek–Monday,WednesdayandSaturdaybetween9amand3pm.

o Vehicletestingstationstooperatethreetimesaweek.o DecoShopstooperatethreetimesaweek

• Redirectedlowpriorityrecurrentspendingtothefightagainstthepandemicandforhealthinfrastructure.



• ThroughtheCentralBankofEswatini,areductionofthediscountrateby100basispointsto5.5percent;Reducedthereserverequirementto5percent(from6percent);Reducedtheliquidityrequirementto20percent(from25)forcommercialbanksandto18percent(from22)forthedevelopmentbank

• Encouragementofgreateruseofelectronicpayments;• EncouragementtobanksbytheCentralBanktoconsiderloanrestructuring

andrepaymentholidays.• CrossBorderTradetooperatenormally;• Provisionforlatercompletionofclearanceprocedures• Fast tracking clearance of goods for the fight against COVID-19, i.e.

medicaments.Clearancecanbedoneafter,controlsstillexercised• Enhanced Customs collaboration with other stakeholders i.e. Health

(communicationtoclientsthroughonechannel,jointinspections,etc.)• ProvisionofPPEtotheCustomsstaff,sensitizationonthepandemic.


MinistryofCommerce,IndustryandTradeMBABANEEswatiniTel:(+268)4043201,Fax:(+268)4043055Email:[email protected]; [email protected]

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• OnApril8,thePrimeMinisterdeclaredaStateofEmergencyfor5monthsunderArticle93oftheconstitution,whichallowsittoimposemorestringentmeasures.

• On2ndAugust2020theGovernmentofficiallylaunchedanationwideone-month-long testing campaign,whichwill determine the next steps to beundertaken by the Government in the New Year which will start on 11th September2020.

• Closingofallschoolsincludinginstitutionsofhigherlearningandbanningofpublicgatheringsincludingsportingeventsfrom16thMarch2020

• Release of over 4,000 prisoners to prevent overcrowding in prisons andcontainthespreadofthecoronavirus

• Postponement of elections from 29th August 2020 to a new date to bedetermined

• The mandatory 14-day quarantine of arrivals from abroad has beenshortenedtoasfewdaysasthree.Inaddition,passengersfromabroadwhoholdCOVID-19negativecertificatesaremandatedtoisolatethemselvesforonlythreedaysaftergivingsamplesandstayfor14daysathomebeforejoiningtheircommunities.

• All movements across land borders, except for the flow of cargo andessentialgoods,aresuspendedeffective23rdMarch

• Closureofall-nightclubsandplacesofentertainmenteffective20thMarchuntilfurthernotice

• Wearingoffacemasksismandatorywhenvisiting‘serviceproviding’placessuchasshopsandeveryonemuststandatleasttwostridesapart

• Governmentemployeesorderedtoworkfromhome• Sportingactivitiesatalllevelsareprohibited• Greetingsbyhandshakearebanned• Asof1stApril,suspensionofmassgatheringsinplacesofworshipincluding

mosquesandchurches• Housetohousescreeninganddiagnostictestingconducted.• Rigorouscontacttracing,isolation,compulsoryquarantineandtreatment.• COVID-19ResponseFundestablishedforresourcemobilization.Comprises

bothprivateandpublicinstitutions.Contributionsarebothfinancialandnon-financialandincludebuildings,hotels,vehicles,sanitaryitems,masks,etc.

Ethiopia

BackgroundThe first case was reported on 13 March 2020.



• Extrafundingforhealthcarefacilities• Removaloftherestrictiononfloorpriceforflowerexportsthatwaspreviouslysetby

theNationalBankofEthiopia• NationalBankofEthiopiahasavailed15-billion-birr(AboutUSD450million)

liquidityforprivatebankstoenablethemtoprovidedebtreliefandadditionalloanstotheircustomers inneedandespeciallythebusinessesadverselyaffectedbyCOVID-19

• Clampingdownpricegougingbyretailerstoprotectlowincomehouseholds• Emergencysupportof$82.8MfromtheWorldBanktomitigatetheeconomic

impactofCOVID-19• Ethiopiahasrelaxedrulesformobilebankingandmoneytransfers,opening

themarkettoall localbusinessestoencouragepeopletogocashlesstocontrolthespreadofcoronavirus

• CommercialbanksorderedtogiveprioritytoimportersthatimportgoodstocombatCOVID-19likeventilators,sanitarygoodsandmedicalequipment,includingtestingkits,whenprovidingforex.

• Ministerial level macro-economicmanagement sub-committee has beensetup

• WaivedalldutiesandtaxesonallmedicalsuppliesandequipmentimportedtofightCOVID-19

• Ethiopian Airlines continues to operate concentrating mainly on cargodeliveriesandscaleddownpassengerflightsbyabout90%

• Border closure in effect but no restrictions on cargo movements fromDjibouti to Ethiopia. Custom offices operating on both sides. However,shortageoftruckstoDjiboutiduetospikeindemand

• DjiboutiPortoperationalforEthiopianservice.However,extendedlockdowninDjiboutiaffectingoperationalhours forShippingLinesandthestoragespace shortage inDjibouti port adds costs and time to the clearanceofcontainersattheport.

• Ethiopia-Sudanborderisclosedtoalltraffic.• Customs and Revenue authorities are facilitating continuity of business

by implementing e-documents and e-payments and pre-arrival clearanceproceduresandexemptingsome requireddocumentssuchascertificateoforigin.


MinistryofTradeandIndustryP.O.Box704ADDISABABA,EthiopiaTel:+251115513990,+251115527676Email:[email protected];[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

17



• CoronavirusTaskForceestablishedasanationalemergencyresponse• ReopeningofschoolsanduniversitiesdeferredtoJanuary2021• FromJuly27thJuly2020restaurantstooperatebetween8:00a.m.-5.p.mbutnot

tosellalcohol.• AsfromJuly7th,2020 placesofworshipopenedwithstrictadherencetohealth

measures.• Finesandjailtimeintroducedforthosefoundinbreachofthemeasures.• Minimized attendance of social gatherings likeweddings, funerals,malls for a

periodof30days.• Minimized congestion in public transport and limiting visitors to hospitalized

patientsinbothpublicandprivatehospitals.• Publictransportincludingallmatatus,hospitalsandshoppingmallsareencouraged

toprovidesoap,waterandhandsanitizersandensurethatalltheirvehiclesandpremisesareregularlycleanedanddisinfected.

• Governmentregistriesandthecourtsclosedexceptforthehandlingofemergencymatters.

• Governmentoffices,businessesandcompaniesencouragedtoallowemployeestoworkfromhomeexceptforthoseworkingincriticaloressentialservices.

• Asfrom27thJuly2020,nighttimecurfewextendedfor30days• KenyaMedicalResearchInstitutedevelopsalocaltestingkit• ThecessationofmovementinandoutofNairobiMetropolitanarea,Mombasa,

Kilifi,Kwale,ManderaCountiesliftedasfrom7thJuly2020.• Resumptionofdomesticairtravelfrom15thJulyandinternationalflightstoresume

on1stAugust2020.• MandatoryPCR-Covid-19-Freecertificateforallinternationalarrivalsvalidfor96

hoursprior• Massproductionofsanitizers,masksandventilatorsbyprivatesectorinKenya• Temperaturereadingsfortruckcrewstobetakenatentrypointsandatdesignated

weighbridgeswhichare:Namanga;Busia,Gilgil,Mariakani;MalabaandTaveta.• Truck occupants must keep temperature/readings/health forms until they exit

KenyaunlesstheyareKenyanresidents;stringentscreeningofthetrucks;limitednumbers of crew and passengers, and any truck crew member who exhibitssymptomsoccupantssubjecttoa14daysquarantine.

Kenya

BackgroundThe first case was reported on 13 March 2020.



• Cashlesstransactionsencouragedandfacilitatedtolimitcontact.• Stringent medical screening at all border points. Only drivers, loader plus the

clearingagentareallowedacrosstheborder.• A100-percenttaxreliefforlow-income-earningpersonsuptoKES24,000• ReducedthetopPay-As-You-Earn(PAYE)ratefrom30percentto25percent.• AppropriationofKES10billionthroughcashtransferstothevulnerablemembers

ofsociety.• Temporarysuspensionof listingwithCreditReferenceBureauforpersonswho

defaultontheirloanobligationswitheffectfrom1April2020.• DisbursementofKES1billionfortherecruitmentofadditionalmedicalpersonnel.• Thegovernmentcommittedtopaythebillsforallthoseinisolationcentresthus

encouragingtesting.


• Cashlesstransactionssuchasmobilemoneyandcreditcardsareencouraged.• ThereductionofthestandardVATratefrom16percentto14percent(effective1

April2020).• Areductionoftheresidentcorporateincometaxfrom30percentto25percent.• 24-hourCallCentreandinformationportalsetupandmannedbyKenyaPrivate

SectorAssociation(KEPSA)• LoweringofCentralBankRate(CBR)to7.2%• LoweringofCashReserveRation(CRR)to4.2%• CentralBankofKenyatoofferflexibilitytobanksonloansthatwereactiveasof

March2020tomaintainliquiditylevels• Assessmentand restructuring loans takenbycorporateborrowers (andSMEs)

basedontheirrespectivecircumstancesarisingfromthepandemic.• Cargomovement allowed to continuehowever spike in transport requirements

hasledtoastrainedsupplyoftrucks.• Mandatoryrequirementforallreturningcargocrewtoself-isolateforaperiodof

14daysstrainingcargooperations.• Officehours forCustomsOfficeschanged to9.00–3.00pmata50% reduced

staffing.ThereisalsoreducedaccesstoCustomsofficersandotherofficials.• KenyaPortsAuthorityhasreducedworkforcetotwoshifts.• KPAenabledonlinedocumentsubmissionsystemstoreducehumancontactat

MombasaPort• Mandatorypre-arrivalreportofships• AllocatedofUSD100Milliontofast-trackpaymentofoutstandingVATrefunds

andotherpendingpayments toSMEs.USD30millionasseedcapital forSMECreditGuaranteeScheme.

• AllocationofUSD20Millionsoftloanstohotelsandrelatedestablishments.• AllocationofUSD15Milliontoassistflowerandhorticulturalproducerstoaccess

internationalmarket.• Enforcementof“BuyKenya,BuildKenya”policy.• AllocatedofUSD6Milliontopurchaselocallymanufacturedvehicles.• Traderelatedessentialservicesproviders,Customs,Immigration,andPortHealth

officialsareexemptedfromtheprovisionsofcurfewandrequiredtowork24hours

19



MinistryofIndustrialization,Trade&EnterpriseDevelopmentP.O.BOX30547-00100KenyattaAvenueNAIROBITel:+254-202731531/2-44,+254-20310983Fax+254203313600E-mail:[email protected],[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Website:www.industrialization.go.ke

KenyaMinistryofHealth:Twitter:@MOH_Kenya,Facebook:MinistryofHealthKE,website:http://www.health.go.ke/

KRAContactPoints:· ForDomesticTaxesandallfrequentlyrequestedservices,logonto:https://itax.kra.

go.ke/KRA-Portal/· ForCustomsrelatedtaxes,logontoICMS(IntegratedCustomsManagementSystems)

andtheSimbaSystem· ForSupplyChainManagement(SCM)ore-procure-

ment,logonto:http://www.kra.go.ke/en/tender· Foradditionalsupport,callourContactCentreonTel:0204999999,0711099999or

Email:[email protected]



• ClosureofallgroundandmaritimeLibyanborders foraperiodof threeweeks(withpossibleextension).

• FlightsresumedattheMitigaAirport intheLibyancapitalTripolion9thAugust2020.

• Prayers in mosques have been cancelled, schools and universities have beenclosedfortwoweeksandpublicgatheringslimited.

• Reopeningofrestaurantsandcafésfrom7thJuly2020onunderstrictconditions.• AprimaryhealthcarecentreintheGergareshneighbourhoodofTripoli–serving

a catchment area of at least 30,000 people, including high concentrations ofrefugeesandmigrantsfromsub-SaharanAfrica-hasre-openedasfrom15thJuly2020todealwiththerisingnumbersofCOVID-19cases.

• Largepublicgatheringshavebeenbanned.• 470inmatesfromlocalandregionalprisonshavebeenfreedtoreducetheriskof

infections.• Startingon31stJuly2020 theGovernmentofNationalAccordbased inTripoli

toimposesatotallockdowninareasthatitcontrolsforaperiodof5days.Thelockdownwillreplacethepreviouscurfewthathadbeeninplacefrom9pm–6am.IntheEast,inareascontrolledbytheLibyanNationalArmy(LNA),thecurfewremains6p.m.to6a.m.

• A special committee has been formed includingwith theministries of interior,financeandhealth to develop a policy andprocedures for repatriating Libyansfromabroad.

• TheSupremeCommitteeforCombatingCOVID-19closedallvegetableandmeatmarkets,butbakeriesandsomeshopsremainopentomeetpeople’sneeds.

• PointsofEntry(PoEs)toscreentravelersarrivingfromaffectedareashavebeenestablishedatthreeairports(Mitiga,MisrataandBenina),fourseaportsandlandborderentrypointsatRasIjdier,WazenandMsaed.

• TestingisbeingundertakenfortruckdriverswhoaretravellingovertheTunisian/Libyanborderwithdriversrequiredstayfor14daysinZwaraforquarantine.

• Authorities inboth theWestandEasthavestartedto repatriateLibyancitizensstrandedoverseas(thosewishingtoreturnareinEgypt,TunisiaandTurkey).

• Returningcitizenaretestedandallowedtoquarantineathomefor14days.

Libya

BackgroundThe first case was reported on 3rd April 2020

BACKGROUND

21



• Cargotransportationexemptedfromban• Nopenaltieswillapplytothelatefilingofcorporateincometax,personalincome

taxandstampdutyreturns.• Customs and Revenue authorities are facilitating continuity of business by

implementinge-documentsande-paymentsandpre-arrivalclearanceproceduresandexemptingsomerequireddocumentssuchascertificateoforigin.

• Joint mechanism on export of goods between Libya and Tunisia through theborderofRasAjbirestablished.


MinistryofEconomyandIndustryP.O.Box4779TRIPO-LI,LIBYACell:+218928344531,Fax:+218214831394,Email:[email protected]

MinistryofForeignAffairs.MinisterPlenipo-tentiaryTRIPOLILibyaCell:+218910123447,Email:[email protected] Em-bassyoftheStateofLibyaPOBox35319LUSAKA,ZambiaTel:+260(211)253055/255388,Fax:+260(211)251239,Mobile:0955208900/0977977605E-mail:[email protected]; [email protected]


Madagascar

BackgroundThe first case reported on 20 March 2020.


• Suspensionofallinternationalflightseffective20thMarchfor30days.OnlyAirFranceandTurkishAirlinesserveMadagascarviatheirweeklycargoflight.

• Cruiseshipsnotallowedinanyport.• ExtensionoftheStateofHealthEmergencyforanother15additionaldayseffective

25thJuly2020,andmaintaineda fullcontainmenton thecapitalAntananarivodeclaredon5thJuly2020,andpartialcontainmentinthedistrictsofMoramanga,FeneriveEst,andToamasinaIandIIfollowingaspikeinthenumberofCOVID-19infectionscountrywide.

• On6thJuly2020theGovernmentlaunchednewdedicatedCOVID-19treatmentcenters amid rising cases of the pandemic. The new centres are in AlarobiaProfessionalTechnicalHighSchoolandtheMahamasinaSportsComplexinthecapitalAntananarivo.

• On 26th July 2020 the Government launched an additional new coronavirustreatment center in the capital Antananarivo that can accommodate 250COVID-19patientswithseveresymptomsamidrisingcasesofCOVID19inthecountry.

• ExtensionofthestateofhealthemergencyuntilatleastJune2tocurbthespreadofcoronavirus

• Entry and exit restrictions are heightened in the regions of Analamanga,Atsinanana,HauteMatsiatra,andAlaotraMangoro,whichareCOVID-19clusters.

• Starting Monday 6th July authorities re-imposed a total lockdown in theAnalamanga region to last until July 20due to the rise inCoronavirus cases.AnalamangaisaregionincentralMadagascar,wherethecapitalAntananarivois located, and its surrounding metropolitan area. During the lockdown, onlyfoodproductionunits,materials,andequipmentnecessaryforthefightagainstCOVID-19willbeauthorizedtoopen.Secondly,onlyonepersonperhouseholdwillbeallowedtogoouttobuysuppliesbetween0600hrsto1200hrs.

• Gatheringsofmorethan50peopleprohibited.Anightcurfewof2100-0400isinplaceinAnalamangaregion.

• Allland,sea,andairbordersremainclosed.Cargoandhumanitarianflightsarepermittedtooperate.

23



• • Mandatorywearingoffacemasksinpublic• PublicmarketstoopenforonlythreedaysaweeksubjecttostrictSOPs• 14-dayquarantinemandatoryforindividualswhohavehadpossibleexposureto

COVID-19;travellimitedtoessentialservicesandwork• Allentertainmentvenuesclosed,andallsportingeventssuspended.


• Cash-transfersandin-kindnecessitiestothepoorestandthoseunemployed.• Gradual relaxation of lockdown allowingmovement and public transportation

from0600-1300hours• Price controls introduced by Government to regulate the prices of essential

servicesandtopreventbusinessmenfromtakingadvantageofthesituationtohikeprices

• Portsareoperationalwhilerespectinggovernmentalprocedures.MajorproblemsexperiencedonMauritiustransshipmentsandconnections.

• Customs offices Tamatave and Antananarivo will ensure maximum servicewithminimumcontact.However,humanitarianaid,pharmaceuticalsandbasicnecessitieswillbegivenpriority.

• Temporarysuspensionofall exportsofdrugsandotherhealthproducts

CoordinatingMinistry(Na-tionalContactPoints)

SecrétairegénéralduMinistèredesAffairesÉtrangères1,rueAndriamifidy,AnosyANTANANARIVO101MadagascarTél:+261344955589/+261346663544Courriel:[email protected]; [email protected];DirectoroftheCOME-SA-TripartiteDepartmentDirectorateofRegionalIntegrationMinistryofForeignAffairsTel.:+261343938895,+261346663586Email:[email protected]; mbola.andriana@gmail.ç[email protected]



• MalawideclaredaStateofNationalDisasterfrom23rdMarch2020.• Closure of all schools, colleges and universities from23rdMarch 2020 until

furthercommunication.• Asfrom9thAugust2020mandatorywearingoffacemasksinallpublicspaces

failureofwhichcanresultinafineof10,000MalawianKwacha(USD13).• As from 9th August 2020, public gatherings of greater than 10 people are

prohibitedwith the exception of funeralswhich can have up to 50 people inattendance.

• Placesofworship,restaurantsandbarsclosedwithonlytake-awaysalesbeingpermittedfordrinkingestablishmentsbeginning9thAugust2020.

• As from 9th August 2020, entry toMalawi is prohibited except forMalawiannationals and foreign nationalswith valid residency visas. If eligible to enterthecountry,passengerswillbetestedforCOVID-19onarrivalandwillhavetoremainattheairportoratestingcenteruntilthetestresultsareknown.

• Beginning9thAugust2020,allmarkets,shopsandbusinessesthatareincloseproximitytohospitalsorderedtoclose.

• Introductionon1stAugust2020oftheZikomoPresidentialAwardasatokenofthankstothemostdedicatedhealthcareworkersinthefightagainstCOVID-19.

• Asfrom12thJuly2020authoritiesincreasedscreeningsatthetwointernationalairports – Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe and ChilekaInternationalAirport(CIA)inBlantyre-forallarrivingpassengers.

• Asfrom1 July2020wearingofmasksinallofficesandwithinpublicinstitutionsmademandatory. Publicgatheringsrestrictedaswell.

• AllflightsintoandoutofMalawisuspendedeffective1April,untilfurthernotice.• Flights carrying medical professionals, essential health equipment and

emergencyreliefitemsareexempted.Additionally,authoritieshavesuspendedtheissuanceofvisas.FlightscarryingreturningMalawicitizensandorcargoarehandledonacasebycasebasis.

• Recruitmentof2000healthworkerstosupportthefightagainstCOVID-19• Mandatory14daysquarantineforalltravelersfromCOVID-19affectedcountries• OpeningofinstitutionalisolationandtreatmentcentersinthecitiesofBlantyre,

LilongweandMzuzu

Malawi

BackgroundThe first case reported on 2nd April 2020

25



• Reductionoffuelpricestolowerthetransportcosts• Application of taxwaivers on the importation of essential goods for Corona

Virusmanagement• ReserveBankofMalawitoallowbankstoofferathree-monthmoratoriumon

interestpaymentsonloanstosmall-andmedium-sizedbusinesses• Thecountry’sCompetitionandFair-TradingCommissiontoput inplacestrict

monitoringofpricecontrolsandpunishanyonefoundincreasingprices• Thegovernment to increase loansunder theMalawiEnterpriseDevelopment

Fundthatwillhelpmicro,smallandmediumscalebusinessesthathavebeenseriouslyaffectedbyCOVID-19

• Tobaccomarketstoremainopenandallowedtooperatewithoutdisruptiontoprotectsmallfarmersandbolsterforeigncurrencyreceipts.

• TruckscarryingcargoallowedintoandoutofMalawi.


MinisterofIndustry,TradeandTourismP.O.Box30366LILONGWE3MalawiTel:+265999969669;+2651770244,+2651780244,780647Fax:+2651770680,+2651780680,782183Email:[email protected]; [email protected],[email protected]



• Closureofbordersandbanningofcommercialflightseffective19thMarch.Onlyspeciallyauthorizedflightsallowedtooperate;

• As from 19thMarch, all passengers enteringMauritius are quarantined inhotelsfor14days;

• StrandedMauritiannationalsabroadhavebeenrepatriatedfromSouthAfrica,FranceandIndia;

• Covid-19HighlevelTaskForce,chairedbytheHon.PrimeMinisters,comprisingSeniorMinistersandtheMinisterofHealthmeetdailytocloselymonitorthesituation;

• Lockdownforallnon-essentialservices/travelextendedfrom15thMay;• TreatmentofCOVID-19patientsinhospitalsandcommunityinfectioncontrol

measuresunder implementation includingcontact tracing in linewithWHOrecommendations;

• Sensitizationof thepopulationontheprecautionaryandhygienemeasuresincluding, thewearingofmasks,useofhandsanitisers,homeconfinementandsocialdistancingthroughmediacampaignsinappropriatelanguages;

• Precautionarymeasuresinallpublicplaces;• Publictransporttoresumefulloperationsasfrom15thJune2020andmust

observehygieneandsocialdistancingregulations.• Religious and social gatherings includingweddings permitted as from15th

June2020andmustobservehygieneandsocialdistancingregulations.• Mostschoolswillopenon1stJuly2020insteadof1stAugust2020aspreviously

announced.• Shoppingauthorizedinsupermarketsandshopssellingessentialcommodities

basedonalphabeticalorderunderstrictconditionssubjecttosanitarycontrol;• Postponementofcourtcases;• Foodsafetynetsforvulnerablepersonsinplace.

Mauritius

BackgroundThe first case was reported on 18th March 2020

27


Trade Facilitation / Business Support and related measures

• On10thJuly2020theGovernmentextendedtheaccessperiodtoits5billionrupee($130million)specialreliefprogrammeaspartofitsongoingresponsetotheCovid-19pandemic, thiswillbeavailabletobankstoenablethemtocontinuelendingtobusinessesaffectedbyCOVID-19.

• ProvisionofaSpecialReliefFundtoeconomicoperatorstomeetcashflowandworkingcapital;

• SettingupofastandingcommitteetoexplorewaystolimittheimpactoftheCovid-19ontradeandbusinesses.

• Exemptionofmunicipalfeesforsome13,000marketstallholders;• Linesofcreditandsoftloansmadeavailabletosupportvulnerablecompanies/

SMEsfromtheimport-exportsectorandtourismindustry.• FinancialSupport/AssistancetoindividualsbyCommercialBanksandother

financialentities:• CommercialBanksremainedopeninstrategiclocationsduringlockdown;• Introductionofcontactlesstransactionsbysomecommercialbanks;• AloanschemeprovidedtoMauritiansstrandedabroadtocaterfortheirneeds;• COVID-19SupporttoHouseholdsProgrammeintroducedtodeferthecapital

repaymentofhomeloan;• • Employment-relatedmeasures• Workers’rightswillnotbeimpactediftheyareforcednottowork;• Bothpublicandprivatesectoremployeeshavebeenworkingfromhome;• WorkAccessPermits issued to those inneedofaccessing theirplacesof

work;• WageAssistancesubsidyprovidedtocompaniesforpaymentofstaffsalaries;• Financial support provided to workers in the informal sector/ planters/

fishermen;• Hotlineputinplacetofacilitateinter-alia,complaintsandemploymentslaws;• • EducationalSupport:• Closureofallnursery,schoolsandtertiaryinstitutionsuntil31stJuly;• Studentsof higher secondaryand tertiary levelsarebenefiting fromonline

classes.SomelessonstargetedtostudentsofprimaryandlowersecondarylevelsarebroadcastonthenationalTVchannels;

• AFacebookpagehasbeencreatedtoassistparentswithdisabledchildren;• Coursesarebeingprovidedontheradioforstudentswithnointernetaccess;• • Othermeasures:• ACOVID-19SolidarityFundcreatedtosupportthepopulation;• CapitalMarketactivityhasbeensuspendeduntilfurthernotice;• TheGovernmenthasappliedforagrantofMUR26bnfromtheWorldBank;• Paymentofvehicleinsuranceandrenewalofroadtaxesdeferredbyamonth;• Electricity consumption rates reduced for low income groups/ small

businesses;• Controlofpricesofseveralbasiccommoditiessuchasrice,cheese,flouretc;


MinisterofForeignAffairs,RegionalIntegrationandInternationalTradePORTLOUISRepublicofMauritiusTel:(230)4052541;(230)4052622Fax:(230)2113148,(230)2137674Email:[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

FocalPoint–MinistryofHealth&WellnessMr.S.Ramasawmy,5thFloor,EmmanuelAnquetilBuilding,Port-Louis,MauritiusTel:2302011892Fax:2302012330Email:[email protected]



• Anation-widelockdownannouncedonMarch21,2020.GradualliftingoflockdownfromMarch22butcurfewtobeobservedbetween9p.m.to5a.m.MovementsinandoutofKigaliCityprohibited.

• Governmenthasestablishedanonlineplatformforpeopleinneedofessentialservicesincludingvisitinghospitals,attendingtoemergencies,shoppingetc.toapplyforclearanceofmovement.

• Masstestingoftaximotooperatorstobecarriedout.Itisalsomandatorythatalltaximotooperatorsremovethehelmetscreensforpassengersanduseahandsanitizertocleanthehelmets.Thepassengersshouldwearaclothtocovertheirheadsbeforeusingthehelmet.

• FromJune25thsixvillagesofKigaliCityputundera15-daytotalCovid-19lockdowninabidtopreventthespreadofthevirustootherareas.ThesixvillagesareNyarugengeandKicukirodistrictsandareKamabuye,Zuba,Nyenyeri,Rugano,KadobogoandGisenga.

• From22ndJuly2020threemorevillages inKigaliCitywhichareTetero, Indamutsa,andIntigandawhichareall inTeteroSectorputon lockdown.The lockdownforKadobogovillageinKigaliSectorinNyarugengeDistrict,andZubaandNyenyeriinKicukiroislifted.

• Citizensorforeignersreturningtothecountryaresubjecttoa7-daymandatoryquarantineatdesignatedlocationsattheirowncost;

• Commercialflightstoandfromthecountryallowedtooperateasfrom1stAugust2020.Rwandairtoresumeinternationalflightson1stAugust2020startingwithAfricaroutes.Healthmeasuresputinplacetosafeguardthehealthofpassengers,crew,andairportstaffasprovidedbyMinistryofHealthandICAO.

• Places of worship to resume services as from 16th July 2020 upon approval by localauthorities.

• Asfrom15thJuly2020sixadministrativecellsinNyamagabeDistrict(inSouthernProvince)andNyamashekeDistrict(inWesternProvince)tobeplacedina15-dayCOVID-19lockdownafter increases cases being recorded. The cells ar Kigeme and Ruhunga (NyamagabeDistrict)andMubuga,Gitwa,partofKivu-Butareroad,andJarama

• Passengers departing, transiting, or arriving in Rwanda will be required to present aCOVID-19negativecertificatetakenwithin72hoursbeforedeparture.

• Asof1stAugust2020self-checkinkiosks,thermalcameras,screeningrobots,andhandsanitizerdispensershavebeenputinplaceatKigaliInternationalAirportaspartofhealthmeasures.

Rwanda


29



• AllvisitorstravellingtoRwandabycharterflightsmusttestnegativeforCOVID-19within72hourspriortoarrival;asecondtestwillbetakenpriortovisitinganytouristattraction.

• Domesticandinternationalvisitorstravellingfortourismbycharterflightstobeallowedinthecountryasfrom17thJune2020.

• DomestictouristsvisitingVolcanoesNationalParkandNyungweNationalParkmusttestnegativeforCOVID-19within48hourspriortovisitingtheparks.

• AllpassengersarrivinginRwandabycommercialflightsincludingthoseintransitwillberequiredtoshowproofofaCOVID-19PolymeriseChainReaction(PCR)negativetestfromacertifiedlaboratorytakenwithin72hoursofarrivinginRwanda.AsecondPCRtestwillbeconducteduponarrival–withresultsdeliveredafter24hours.

• ApartfromthenationalKigaliNationalReferenceLaboratory,othersatellitetestinglabssetupinCOVID-19hotspotsareasofthecountrywhichincludethedistrictsofKirehe,Rubavu,Rwamagana,Nyagatare,andRusizi,Thisistohastentheprocessofgeneratingresultsforpatientstoensuretimelyinterventions.

• Hotels to operate and offer tourism and conference services but must adhere to theprovidedhealthguidelines.

• Religiousweddingceremoniestotakeplacebutshouldnotexceed30people.• Educationalinstitutions(schoolsandcolleges),andbarstoremainclosed.• Restaurantsandcafesallowedtooperateuntil7;00p.m.• Socialdistancingtobeobserved.• Wearingoffacemasksismandatoryinpublicplacesandmulti-familysettings.• Allbordersclosedexceptforgoodsandcargoservices.• Internal travelbetweendistrictsandcitiesnotauthorizedexceptformedicalreasonsor

essentialservices.• Marketstooperateat50%capacitywithpreventionandrotationmeasuresinplace.• Deployment of five high-tech robots from20thMay 2020 to limit the risk of healthcare

workers from contracting COVID-19. The robots’ tasks include mass temperaturescreening,deliveryoffoodandmedicationtopatients,capturingdataanddetectingpeoplenotwearingmasks.

• Screeningatallmarketcentresinplaceandcompulsory


• WholesaleandRetailshopstooperatewithessentialstaffonlywithsocial• Funeralgatheringsrestrictionsliftedalittlewithmournersnotexceeding30allowed,up

fromthemaximumof20peoplepreviouslyallowed.• Shopsclosedexceptforthosesellingfood,medicineandotheressentialservices.• Contact-tracing for suspected infected persons to be conducted for further follow-up,

testing,andtreatment.• Hospitalityestablishmentsincludinghotels,restaurants,andcoffeeshopstoregisterall

customerspatronizingtheirpremises.Thisisinaidofcontracttracing.• Asfrom22ndJuly2020allstaffofnationalparks,airports,andhotelsneartouristsites

to be tested every twoweeks for COVID-19 as the country prepares to start receivinginternationalflightsbeginning1stAugust2020.

• Citizensurged tousemobilemoneyandonlinebankingwheneverpossible to limit thetransferofpapermoneyandminimizepersontopersoncontacts

• The World Bank on April 7th, 2020 approved a USD 14.3 million (RWF 13.65 billion)International Development Association (IDA) credit as emergency response towardseffortstocontainCOVID-19.

• New Guidelines for the Mining sector issued on 5th June 2020 and included: miningoperatorsandquarryownerstoproviderelevantpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPEs)toallworkers,andminerstoputinplacecontacttracingprogrammes.

• Asfrom4thJune2020bothKamembeTowninRusiziDistrictputundertotallockdownfortwoweeks.Travelinandoutofthedistrictrestricted.



• AsfromJune30th,travelsrestrictionsinandoutofRubavuDistrictputinplacesince4th Junelifted.

• Public transport within the district of Rusizi is restricted and only cargo transportingvehicleseithertransitingordestinedforthedistrictwouldbeallowedtocontinueoperating.

• On1stJulytheMinistryofHealthlaunchedarandomstreettestingsurveyinKigaliCitytoassessCOVID-19situation.

TradeFacilitation /BusinessSupport

• Maximumutilizationofnon-intrusivecargoscannersforhomogeneousgoods.• Thewholeclearanceprocessforimports,exportsandtransitisconductedintheRwanda

ElectronicSingleWindow(RESW)whichminimizestoagreatextentanyhumanintervention.• Authorizedtruckscarrynotmorethantwopeopleincludingthedriver.• AllcargoandconveyorsshallbeoffloadedandtransshippedattheCustomspointofentry

(i.e.RusumoandKagitumbaCustomsBorderPosts).• Warehousingfacilitiesshallbeavailableforloading,offloadingandwarehousingofcargo

attheentrypoints;• InlandCargodepotsshallbeavailedforeffectiveloadingandtransshipmentexercisesat

theCustomsentrypoint;• Clearingofgoodsshouldbedoneusingthepre-clearancemechanismscurrentlyinplace

i.e.SCTClearanceframeworkandpaymentofdutiesandtaxesbeforethearrivalofthegoodsquickreleaseattheentryborderposts;

• All declaration documents accompanying cargo must be submitted electronically tocustomsadministrationtoavoidpapermanipulation;

• Clearing agents must declare the full detailed description of goods to expedite theclearanceandreleaseofgoods;

• Clientswithperishablegoodsandconsignmentsthatrequirespecialwarehousingfacilitiessuchaspetroleumproductsshallbeallowed toproceed todestinationafterchangeofcrewmembers(truckdrivers)inrespectwiththecurrenthealthguidelinesinplaces;

• Transitcargoshouldbeescorteduponentrytothefinaldestinationandtruckdriverswillonlystopatdesignatedpoints.

• TheCentralBankofRwandahasprovidedaRwf50billion($54million)facilityandreducedthereserverequirementratioforcommercialbanksfrom5percentto4percenttosupportthecountry’sbankingsector.

• The IMF emergency support under the Rapid Credit Facility in March 2020 providedRwandawitha$109.4million(RwandaFrancs104billion)forCovid-19-relatedpressureson trade, tourism and foreign exchange reserves. The support will also providemuch-needed resources forhealthexpenditureand forhouseholdsandfirmsaffectedby theCOVID-19crisis.

• From14thApril 2020Rwanda to benefit fromUSD$11million (RWF10.5 billion) debtservicerelieffromtheInternationalMonetaryFundforaninitialperiodof6months.

CoordinatingMinistry(Na-tionalContactPoints)

MinistryofTradeandIndustry B.P.73KIGALIRwanda Tel:+250-784855445,+250788415515 Email:[email protected] [email protected]

31



• GovernmentissuesnewSeychellesSafetyTravelGuidelines• Gymnasiumsandfitnessfacilitiesopened• Indoor seated public shows or gatherings, conferences and meetings held per health

guidelines and sports competitions that will take place without spectators allowed toresume.

• BanonallcruiseshipsinPortVictoriauntilendof2021• AllleisureboatsnotallowedentryintoSeychelles’watersuntilfurthernotice• As of 1st June 2020• AirportopensgraduallyfortransactionsonconditionssetbyDepartmentofHealth.• InternationalAirport to reopen itsborderon1stAugust2020 tocommercialpassenger

flightsfromlowandmediumrisklevelCOVID-19countries.TheprocesswillbeguidedbythenationalframeworkfortheintegratedmanagementofreopeningofSeychellesborderswhichhasacriteriaforclassifyingcountriesintolow,mediumandhighrisk.

• Application for international flights carrying passengers to be made to Public HealthCommissioner (PHC).A standard form (application for entry intoSeychellesby air andsea)isavailableonDoHwebsiteistobecompletedandsubmitted.ApplicationswillbeprocessedonacasebycasebasisasperPublicHealthOrder

• AllforeignworkersholdingaGainfulOccupationPermit(GOP)andoutsideofSeychellesasof20thMarch2020,notallowedtoreturnuntilfurthernotice.NonewGOPstobeissued.

• Asfrom8thJuly2020,tighteningoffishingregulationsforWestAfricanfishingcrewswhowillnotbeallowedtojointheirshipsthroughSeychelles,butrathertodosoinReunion.

• Closureof all public schoolsanddaycarecentresonMahé,PraslinandLaDigueuntilfurthernotice,includingallpost-secondaryinstitutions,theUniversityofSeychellesandtheGuyMorelInstitute.However,allchild-mindingandday-careservices,allpost-secondaryinstitutions includingA-Levels,GuyMorel Instituteand theUniversity ofSeychelles,willreopenon11thMay2020whilePrimaryandSecondarySchoolswill reopenon18thMay2020.

• Improvement of handling capacity of quarantine and treatment facilities, including thefinalizationofaprogrammetoreceiveadditionalhumanresourcesupportifnecessary.

• Reinforcementofmeasuresandcontrolssince6thApril2020atthePort, includingnewmaritimesurveillancemeasuresthatmandatetheuseoftrackingsystemssuchasVMS,onallvesselsatalltimes;failureofwhichwillbeapunishableoffenceunderthelaw.

Seychelles




• Temporaryclosureofallconstructioncompaniestostopthetransportationoflargegroupsofconstructionworkers.

• Sincemidnightof9thApril 2020,movementofpeople restrictedduring thedayexceptforessentialservicesofwhichalisthasbeenpublishedandspecialpasshasbeenmadeavailable.

• Additional$3.6millionprovidedtohealthsectorthroughnationalbudgetamendments.• SeychellessecuredanAfricanDevelopmentBank(AfDB)loanofUS$10milliontosupport

theGovernment’sCOVID-19responseprogramme.• Additionalmeasures:• Non-essentialworkersadvisedtostayathomeandworkfromhome.• Membersofthepublicrestrictedfromleavinghomesandmovingontheroadsuntil4th

May2020exceptforpurposesofaccessingessentialservicessuchas,tobuyfood,formedicalassistance,togotothebank,amongstothers.

• Asof17thApril2020,movementofpeoplerestrictedfrom7pmintheeveningtill6aminthemorninguntil4thMay2020.Onlythepolicewiththesupportofthearmyandcertainkeyworkersincriticalservicestobeallowedontheroad.

• A listof thesecritical serviceshasbeenpublishedby thePublicHealthCommissioner.Additionalmeasuresinclude:

• Closureofallshopsfrom6pmintheeveninguntil6.30amthenextmorninguntil4thMay2020.

• Closureofallshopsandbusinessesthatdonotsellgroceriesandfood.• Publicgatheringswhichattractcrowdsorcomprisesocialdistancing, strictly forbidden

andnopermissiontobegrantedbythepoliceforanypublicgatherings.Thebantobeliftedfrom4thMay2020.

• Allrestrictionsonthemovementofpeoplewillberemoved.• Religiousservices, including funeralservices,willbeable to resumefollowingguidance

fromtheDepartmentofHealth.• Allshopswillbeabletostayopenuntil8pmintheevening.• Themajorityofservicesandbusinesseswillbeabletoreopen.Constructioncompanies

canresumetheirworkasperguidanceissuedbytheDepartmentofHealth• Conductof funeralproceduresat thecemeteryunderstrictguidelinesassetoutby the

DepartmentofHealth.


• CourtsinSeychellesresumedon1June2020andgivesprioritytohearingurgentcases.• Threeislandsthat includeCousineIsland,FregateIslandandNorthIslandauthorizedto

resumetouristactivities.• On 8 April 2020, Central Bank of Seychelles Governor announced the disbursement of

US$10millionoutofthecountry’s internationalreservesofUS$591milliontoassistthedomesticmarket.

• ThegovernmentannouncedmeasurestosubsidizewagesforcompaniesfacingdistresscausedbyCOVID-19

• On20March2020,Governmentannouncedreductionofloanrepaymentsforsixmonths.• TaxpaymentsdueinMarchpostponeduntilSeptember.• TheCentralBankofSeychelles(CBS)reducedthepolicyrateby100bpsto4percenton

March23.• CentralBankprovidedacreditfacilityofapproximatelyUS$36milliontoassistcommercial

bankswithemergencyreliefmeasurestoassistbusinessesandindividualsstrugglingwiththefinancialimpactofthepandemic.

• AlimitedcreditprovidedtogovernmentbytheCentralBankuptoSCR500million(US$30million).Inaddition,creditlinefacilityworthSCR500million($28million)setupforsmallbusinessesandaccessiblethroughcommercialbanksaswellasSeychellesCreditUnionandtheDevelopmentBankofSeychelles(DBS)

• Maturityofcredittocommercialbanksextendedto3years.

33



• MeasuresaimingtoFacilitatetheCross-borderMovementofReliefandEssentialSuppliesinclude:Fasttrackingtheprocessingandreleaseofurgentmedicalcargoandreliefsuppliesthroughsimplifiedprocedures;AcceptingscannedcopyofpreferentialcertificateoforiginduringtheCOVD19pandemicsubjecttotheoriginalcopybeingsubmittedoncethecrisisisover;Takingdepositforthereleaseofconsignmentbenefittingfrompreferentialtreatmentbutunsupportedbypreferentialcertificateoforiginbecauseoflockdownfromexportingcountries.

• The Port is operational with Customs staff working to ensure that import and exportproceduresarecompletedinatimelymannerwithprioritygiventoconsignmentdirectlyrelatedtotheCOVID19pandemic.

• Encouraging declarant to use pre-payment account and pre-lodgment (pre-arrivaldeclaration)

• PartoftheUS$10millionloansecuredanAfricanDevelopmentBank(AfDB)willbeusedformacro-economicstabilization

• 37,409privatesectorworkersprovidedwithwagegrantsassupporttoprivatesector.• CentralBankofSeychellescutMonetaryPolicyRate (MPR) to3% from4% topromote

economicstability.• On 25th June theGovernment securedUS$15million loan fromWorld Bank to support

macro-economicstability.

Latest Developments

• FromMonday4thMay,thefollowingmeasureslifted• Restrictionsonthemovementofpeople.• Religiousservices, including funeralservices,willbeable to resumefollowingguidance

fromtheDepartmentofHealth.• Allshopswillbeabletostayopenuntil8pmintheevening.• Themajorityofservicesandbusinesseswillbeabletoreopen.Constructioncompanies

canresumetheirworkasperguidanceissuedbytheDepartmentofHealth.• • From11thMay,• Allchild-mindingandday-careservices,allpost-secondaryinstitutionsincludingA-Levels,

GuyMorelInstituteandUniversityofSeychelles,willreopen.• • From18thMay,• Allprimaryandsecondaryschoolswillreopen.• • From1stJune• Conditionsofentryfrom01June2020• Typesofflightstobeallowed:• Privatejetswithpassengersdestinedtoauthorizedresort,yachtorresidentialfacilities.• Charteredpassengers’flightswithpassengers from low riskcountriespublishedby the

DepartmentofHealth.• Charteredcargoflightsthatmaycarrypassengersunderpermission(egpatients,returning

Seychelles,studentswhocompletedtheirstudies)• CriteriaforallowingentryintoSeychelles• ForthemonthofJune,privateflightscarryingpassengerswhohavebeengivenapproval

willbepermitted.• Charteredflightscarryingpassengersfromapprovedcountriesmaybepermitted.• AllpassengersmusthaveproofofanegativeCOVID-19PCRtestthatis48hoursorless

priortoboardingtheflighttoSeychelles.• Aircraft/AirlinearenottoboardanypassengersorcrewwhoaresymptomaticofCOVID-19.• Anypassengerswhoarrives inSeychelleswithout thisproofwillbe turnedbackon the

sameaircraft.


Latest Developments

• • Exitscreeningmusthavebeencompletedbyallincomingpassengersandcrew.• Entryscreeningwillbedoneuponarrivalstartingwithcompletionofthehealthcheckform,

symptomaticcheck,temperaturescanning.Thepassengermayberequiredtoundergoarapidantigentest.

• AllpassengersmustprovideproofofaccommodationinanapprovedestablishmentfortheentireperiodofstayandmustshowbookingvouchersatImmigrationonentry.

• DuringthemonthofJune,theyarenottochangeaccommodationduringtheirstayandmustnotinteractwiththecommunityapartfromthoseattheirplaceofresidence.

• InordertominimizeinteractionbetweengroupsofclientsarrivingondifferentdatesclientgroupsshouldbesegregatedwithintheEstablishment.TheEstablishmentswillbevisitedpriortore-openingtoverifythatthiscanbedone.

• For14daysafterarrival theclientwillbemonitoreddailyby thedesignatedHealthandSafetyofficersorfocalperson.

• Allclientsmustensurestricthygienemeasuresandphysicaldistancingareenforced.• All staffmust bemonitored daily by the designatedHealth and Safety Officer or focal

personandrecordkept.• AnyillnessmustbereportedimmediatelytothenearestHealthFacilitywhowillprovide

appropriateguidance.• Allcostofscreeningandtestwillbebornebythepassenger.• Businesses to prepare their own standards of operation to ensure the guidelines are

implemented.• Tourism businesses will require to be issued with a Safe Tourism Certificate by the

Governmentbeforetheycanreopen• Seychelloiswill beable to travel abroadasperguidanceand regulations issuedby the

DepartmentofHealth.• LeisureboatsandyachtswillbeabletoenterSeychellesterritory,respectinganyguidance

fromtheDepartmentofHealth.• Sportingactivitiescanresume,followingguidancefromtheDepartmentofHealth.


MinistryofForeignAffairsStateHousePOBox:55VICTORIA,MAHÉSeychellesTel:[+248]4295656Fax:[+248]4324248FocalPointsMs.AmendaPadayachy.email:[email protected]’Offay.email:[email protected]

35



• All educational institutions both private and public closed and large gatheringsprohibited.However, beginning 15th June, theGalmudug StateMinistry of EducationopenedprimaryschoolsforGrade8studentsandexamstostarton11thJuly.

• Asof15thAugust2020,schoolsanduniversitiestore-openandmustadheretohealthmeasures.

• Asof1stAugust2020,allimmigrationservicestore-startatallentrypoints.Travelersarriving or departing by international commercial flights required to possess healthcertificatesindicatingthattheyhavetestednegativeinthepast72hours.

• Asof5thJuly2020mosquesandreligiouscentersresumedtheirservices.• Beginning5thJuly2020,UNICEFandotherpartnersworkingwithgovernment for the

provisionofdistancelearninglessonsthroughtelevision,radio,andonlineplatforms.• Publicmeetingsbanned.• Anightcurfewdeclaredon15thApril2020forMogadishuandtobeobservedbetween

7:00 and 5:00 a.m. The curfew prohibits opening of business premises and traffic.However,shopssellingdryfoods,hospitals,andpharmaciesareexempted.

• Minibuseswhichusuallycarry15passengerswillonlybeallowedtocarry10inordertoreducecongestioninpublictransportvehicles.

• Domesticflightswhichweresuspended inApril2020 to resumeserviceson5thJuly2020withadherencetostricthealthguidelines.

• AquarantineunitestablishedatAdenAddeInternationalAirport(AAIA)inMogadishutoisolatepassengerswhodemonstratesymptomsofCoronavirus.

• Cancellationofallflightsexceptmedicalequipmentandfoodstuffflights• RestrictiononimportedKHATtoSomaliafromourneighbouringcountries(Kenyaand

Ethiopia)• Nationalhealth institutions -assistedbyWHO- toconductcasefindingsandcontact

tracing,testingandtreatment,andquarantineactivities.• Atoll-freenumber449hasbeensetupforthepublictoseekadviceandreportsuspected

casesofCOVID-19acrossthecountry.• Bannedre-exportofmedicalequipmentandpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE)dueto

domesticshortages.

Somalia



Trade Facilita-tion/ Busi-ness Support

• Exemptionof tariffsonall imported foodstuffs including rice,dates,wheatflour,andcookingoilaheadofthemonthofRamadan.

• Seaportsandroadtransportareoperationalbutmedicalscreeningofcrewineffect.• DroppingchargesforcashwithdrawalsfromATMs.Ministeriallevelmacro-economic

managementsub-committeehasbeensetup• Waivedalldutiesand taxesonallmedicalsuppliesandequipmentimported tofight

COVID-19

Coordinating Ministry (Na-tional ContactPoints)

EmbassyoftheRepublicofSomalia

377AKabulongaRoadBox34051LUSAKAZambiaTel:(+260)211262199Email:[email protected]

37



• PrimeMinisterissuedEmergencyOrderNo.1of2020whichcriminalizesattacksonhealthpersonnel,smuggling,andillegalhoardingofgoodandmedicines

• SuspensionofvisaissuanceandflightservicestocountrieslistedbyWHOasthemostaffected(Korea,China, Italy, Iran,France,Spain,Japan,andEgypt)from12Marchto23April.

• On10thAugust2020,theGovernmentwiththesupportofitspartnersincreasedintensivecarecapacityfrom16bedsto30bedsattheisolationcentrefortheJabraEmergencyHospitalinsouthernKhartoum.

• ClosureofthreebordercrossingpointswithEgypt,dispatchofmedicalteamsandsecurityforcestotheborderareaswithEgyptandhaltingbustripstoEgypt;andfollowingastateofemergencydeclaredon16thMarch,ashutdownofallportsofentry.

• Banonpoliticalandsocialeventsorgatheringsbeginning14March,includingthepostponementoftheNationalEconomicConference,scheduledfor29-31March.

• Sudan on 14th July 2020 suspended the special entry arrangement for specialbusiness representatives and foreign diplomats and their families that wasintroducedon1stJuly2020.Thisfollowedacasewherea9-year-olddaughteroftheSudaneseattachéinBangkoktestedpositiveforCOVID-19uponreturn.

• TheQastal-AshkeetlandbordercrossingwithEgyptreopenedon11thJune2020,havingbeenclosedinMarch2020overcoronavirusconcerns.

• SudanJoinedtheUnitedNations’BetterThanCashAlliance-adigitalpaymentsplatformtoDriveFinancialInclusionandTransparency.

• Closureofschools,universities,religiousinstitutes,universities,collegesandhigherinstitutesforonemonthbeginning14March.

• MarketsandbanksclosedandprayersatmosquessuspendedinSouthDarfurafterfivecasesconfirmed

• Introduction of a curfew in the whole country from 24March 2020 (08:00 pmuntil06:00am)until furthernotice.From31March, thehoursof themandatorynationwidecurfewwereextendedto12hourstobetween6:00p.m.to6:00a.m.

• Asof8July2020,nightcurfewtobemaintainedinKhartoumState,butfrom6pmto5.00am.

• Partiallockdownforthewholecountryextendeduntil18thJune2020.

Sudan




• NewcoronavirusprotocolforbanksissuedbytheCentralBankofSudantoguidebankingoperationsinhandlingofpapermoneyaswellasbasichygiene.

• Postponementofbasiccertificationexamsinallstatesuntilfurthernotice.• Measures introducedtoshortenthe timeworshipersspent inmosquestoavoid

crowding.• EstablishmentofaNationalCovid-19ResponsePlanwithabudgetof$82million

tomanagearrivalsatpointsofentry,isolation,patientcare,infectionpreventionandcontrol,supplies,riskcommunication,surveillanceandcapacitybuilding.

• Halttointer-cityandlong-haulbustravelsbeginning26March(from6p.m.to6:00a.m.).

• Establishmentofanationalfundtocollectdonationstocombatthepandemic.• Dailyreportinghasbeenactivatedat10pointsofentry:Northern,RedSea,Khartoum,

Kassala,GedarifandWestDarfurstates;seaports,airportsandgroundcrossings.• Onlyscheduledflightsofgoodsandhumanitariansuppliesandmedicalsupplies

arepermitted• Government secured on 26th June US$35 million on in emergency funds to

strengthenresponsetotheCOVID-19pandemic.


• Airportsclosed forboth internaland internationalcommercialflights,except forcargoandworkersofoilorganizations.

• ClosureofKhartoumInternationalAirportextendeduntil12thJuly2020.Thisexcludesscheduledandadditionalcargoflights,humanitarianandtechnicalassistance,theflightsrelatedtothecompaniesoperatinginoilfieldsandevacuationofforeigners.

• Khartoum InternationalAirport (KIA)allowingflights fromEgypt,Turkeyand theUnitedArabEmirates.AllpassengersarrivingatKIAwillbetestedforCOVID-19asofJuly14iftheydonotpossessacertificateforbeingCOVID-19free.

• SudanauthoritieshaveopenedupgoldexporttradetoprivatefirmsincludingthehandlingofallexportsthroughKhartoumInternationalAirport.

• Banonmaizeexportsfrom15Marchuntilfurthernotice.• LocaltransportwithinSudanallowedincludingfuelandotheressentialcommodities.• PortSudanoperationalbutCargovesselsmustmeet14daysquarantinefromlast

departure.• Sudan exports on Egyptian trucks are allowed to leave through Ashkit border

crossing.• Lockdownmeasuresonshopsandrestaurantsliftedastheyhavebeenallowedto

reopenasfromJuly6th,2020.• Governmenton22nd July2020amended the2020NationalBudget to includea

gradualadjustmentofforeignexchangeratesoveraperiodoftwoyearstoreachthe real price. This is intended tomitigate the negative impact of the Covid-19pandemicontheeconomicsituation.

• Governmentannouncedon22ndJuly2020planstodevaluetheSudanesepoundandcut fuelsubsidies inAugustdue toahugebudgetdeficitandaneconomiccrisisaggravatedbythecoronaviruspandemic.

• Sudanannouncedon22ndJuly2020aboutthelaunchofanonlineprojecttohelpintestingandcontainingCOVID-19.


MinistryofIndustryandTradeP.O.Box194KHARTOUMSudanTel:+249183772793;Fax:+249183781208E-mail:[email protected] ;Email:[email protected]

39



• BeginningAugust2020inSilianaRegiontheGovernmentisprovidingunconditionalcashtransferof200TND(aboutUS$70)toaidvulnerablegroupsmeettheirbasicfoodneeds.

• Asfrom5thAugust2020wearingoffacemasksmademandatoryinpublicplacesnationwide.

• Asfrom27thJuly2020,membersofthesamefamilycomingfromcountriesnotclassifiedonthe‘green’or‘orange’list,includingchildrenunder12,tobeputundermandatoryisolation.

• GovernmentOffices,factories,shopsbusiness,mosquesandcafestoopen.• Borderswillbeopenedforinternationalflightson27thJune2020.• FromJune4,workwillresumeat100percentcapacity inpublicadministrations

andintheothersectorsofactivity.• Borderstoopenon27thJune2020afterthecountryrecordingzero localcases

foramonth. Thereopeningofsea,land,andairbordersforforeignerson27th June 2020isunderstrictconditions.Acolor-codedsystemhasbeenintroducedtoshowwhichcountriesmayenterwithoutrestrictionsandwhichcountriescanenterwithenhancedrestrictions.

• Asof27thJuly2020,passengersarrivingwithoutalabtestcertificatewillbeheldinquarantineforatleastthreedaystoallowtheMinistryofHealthtocarryouttests.

• ThroughDecreeNo.2020-208thegovernmentallowedpartialandgradualopeningofthecourts.

• Aspartoftheeasingupofmeasuresmosques,allworshipplaces,hotels,partyhallsandrestaurantshavebeenopenedform4thJune2020.

• Sportingactivitiestoresumefrom8thJune2020.• RepatriationofTunisiansabroadfrom4thJune–14thJune2020.Prioritywillbe

giventostudentsandresidentswhohavelosttheirjobs.• Supermarketsandretailshopsre-openedaspartofeasinglockdownmeasures.• Asfrom4thJune2020inter-cityandtravelbetweenprovinceshasbeenallowed• Closureofschools,Universitiesandothereducationalinstitutions.• Expansionofthebudgetallocationforhealthexpensesaswellasthecreationofa

100TNDMillion(app.US$34mill)fundfortheacquisitionofequipmentforpublichospitals.

Tunisia


BACKGROUND



• Enhanceddigitizationofgovernmentservicestominimizehumancontact.• Robotictechnologyhasbeendeployedforpolicingandscreeningofpatientsatall

hospitals.• Allocated100MD(approximately$50million)foracquisitionofhospitalandpublic

healthequipment.


• A 2.5 billion TND emergency plan ($0.71 billion or 1.8 percent of GDP) wasannouncedonMarch21.

• Creationofinvestmentfundsof600millionTND(app.US$204million).• Establishedastateguaranteefornewcreditsof500millionTND(app.US$170)• Thegovernmentwilldelaytaxdebts,postponetaxesonsmall-andmedium-sized

businesses,delayrepaymentoflow-incomeemployeeloansandprovidefinancialassistancetopoorfamilies.

• Providedbankswiththenecessaryliquiditytoenablethemtocontinuetheirnormaloperation.

• Carryoverofcredits(principleandinterest)dueduringtheperiodfrom1stMarchuntiltheendofSeptember2020.Thesemeasuresgrantedtocustomersclassified0and1

• Establishment of a fund of 2.5 billionTunisian dinars ($860million) to supportbusinesses

• Loweringoftheinterestrateto6.75%.• Delaying the payment of instalments on loans and dropping charges for cash

withdrawalsfromATMs.• Bankshaveremovedwithdrawalchargesandofferinge-bankingsubscriptions• Activationofamechanismforthestatetocoverthedifferencebetweenthepolicy

rateandtheeffectiveinterestrateoninvestmentloanswithinacapof3percent.• PostponementofCITreturnfilingdeadline(duebyMarch25)untiltheendofMay

2020,forallcompaniesexceptthosesubjecttoCITattherateof35%;• ExemptionfromVATforsalesofpharmaceuticalsbyretailersandwholesalers;• Allcompaniesareauthorizedtorevaluetheirbuildingsandlandsrecordedintheir

balancesheetsonthebasisoftheirmarketvalue;thecapitalgainresultingfromthisrevaluationwillbeexemptfromincometaxprovidedthattherevaluedassetsarenotsold;

• Amnesty of customs duties for industrial companies, which were subject tocustomsminutesorjudgmentsbefore20March2020,providedtheypayafineof10%oftheamountofthesaidduties;

• For companies severely impacted by COVID19, certificates of suspension ofVATaswell asall taxcertificates, forpersonswhoarenormallyeligible,will begrantedimmediatelyonrequestwithoutrequiringthepresentationofthenecessarydocumentsbasedonacommitmenttoprovidetheselater;

• For companies severely impacted by COVID19, the procedures for the refundof VAT credits derived from operations will be simplified through removing theconsiderationoftherequirementfor6monthsofconsecutivecredit,andthecreditwillberefundedwithinonemonth;

• Joint mechanism on export of goods between Tunisia and Libya through theboarderofRasAjbirestablished.

• On8May2020thegovernmentlaunchedanelectronicplatformtoreceiverequestsfrom companies affected by the pandemic and that wish to benefit from thegovernment’ssupportmeasures.


MinistryofTrade

CNRHediNouiraandGhanaAvenues1002Tunis-TunisiaEmail:[email protected]:[email protected] /[email protected] Tel:+21671354434;Fax:+21671245868

41


Uganda



• As from 10th August 2020, borders opened for Ugandans stuck in the EastAfricanRegiontogetbacktothecountry.

• Privatecarstocarryamaximumof4passengersincludingthedrivertoensuresocialdistancing

• Publicservicevehiclestocarryhalf theircapacitytoensuresocialdistancingandtoadheretostrictStandardOperatingProcedures(SoPs)

• Asfrom22ndJuly2020,curfewhourshavebeenadjustedtostartfrom2100hrsto0530hrs.Initiallythecurfewwasstartingfrom1900hrsto0600hrs.

• Hairsalonsandshoppingarcadesallowedtoopeneffective22ndJulysubjecttoadherencetostrictoperatingprocedures.

• Commercial motorbikes locally known as “boda boda” have been allowedto resume passenger services effective 27th July subject to strict StandardOperatingproceduresincludingkeepingrecordsofallpassengerscarried.Sincethelockdownstarted,theiroperationswererestrictedtotransportationofcargoonly.

• Compulsorywearingoffacemasksinallpublicplaces• Testingofall truckdriversentering thecountry fromallentrypoints inplace

includingtestingthecrewofcargoplanes• Closureofallschoolsandeducationalinstitutionsofhighereffective20thMarch

2020• Releaseofover800prisonersto lessencongestion intheprisonssectorand

ensuresocialdistancing.• SuspensionofreligiousgatheringsincludingFridayprayersinmosques,Sunday

churchserviceseffective18thMarch2020• Banofallinternationalflightsandclosureofallborders.• Allincomingtravelersarequarantinedatdesignatedfacilitiesfor14days• Suspension of political and cultural publicmeetings, rallies, conferences, by-

elections• Public gatherings limited to amaximum of 7 persons for weddings and 10

persons for funerals



• • PresidentialDirectivetoallowfreemovementofcargowithinthecountryand

acrossbordersin12hours.Emptytrucks,however,allowedtomoveduringthenightacrosstheborder toreducethequeues.Crossborderpedestriantrafficprohibited.

• Trucksmaycarryamaximumofthreepersonswithdutiesinconnectionwiththemovementandclearanceofconveyanceandorcargo.

• All drivers onUganda side are to go throughamandatory “blood test” uponarrivalattheborders.

• ShopsandshoppingmallshavebeenallowedtoopenbuttoabidebystrictSoPs• Civilservantstoworkfromhome.


• Reduction of fees on mobile money transactions and other digital paymentchargesinordertolimittheuseofcashandincreasedailytransactionslimitsforMobileMoney

• Intervening in the foreign exchangemarket by the Central Bank to save theshillingfromdepreciationandtosmoothenoutexcessvolatilityarisingfromtheimpactofCOVID-19ontheglobalfinancialmarkets

• CentralBanktoprovideexceptionalliquidityassistancetofinancialinstitutionsforaperiodofoneyearforthosewhoneedit.Thismeasurewillenablefinancialinstitutions to have sufficient liquidity to assist businesses which are beingdirectlyimpactedbyCOVID-19


• Cargotransportbytrain,plane,lorry,pick-up,tuku-tukus,bodabodaandbicycle,withinUgandaandbetweenUgandaand theoutside,mustcontinuebutonlywithminimumnumbers,technicallyneededasfollows:Cargo─Air-craft─onlythecrew;Lorry─notmorethan3personsi.e.driver,turn-boyplusone,etc.,aswillbedirectedbytheMinistryofTransport,workingwiththeNationalTaskForceontheCoronavirus;Bodabodasshouldstopat2:00pm

• ContainerdepotsinKampalaareoperational• Shiftingmovementofgoodstorailtransport• Measures aiming to Facilitate the Cross-border Movement of Relief and

EssentialSuppliesInclude:Priorityclearanceofmedicalandessentialsupplies;Tax exemption extended on specific medical equipment and sundries byGovernmentofUganda tosupport thefightagainst thePandemic;andTruckdriversareallowedtoproceedontheirjourneyasthesamplesaretakenatthepointsofentryaresubmittedtothenationallaborthemobilelabsforprocessing

• Measures aiming at Supporting the Economy and Sustaining Supply ChainContinuityinclude:

1. Alldesignatedborderpointsofentryandexitofgoodsareoperatingasusualallowingmovementofcargoacrossborderswithacrewofnotexceeding2people

2. UseofelectroniccargotrackingtechnologytotrackdriverswhoseresultstestpositiveforCOVID-19.

3. Ensuredthatoperationalguidelinesissuedduringtheperiodarerelayedtoclientsandthepublicthroughallavailablechannelsofcommunicationincludingsocialmedia.

4. Encouragedimportersandmanufacturerstotakeontaxexemptionsasprovidedforunderthelawsandallowedgeneralextensionofpaymentofdutiesuponrequest.

5. UgandaRevenueAuthority(URA)isfacilitatingBondownersandclearingagentstoaccessthebondedwarehouses.

6. UseofOnlinesystemsforcargoclearanceandtorespondtoqueriesandinquiries,e.g.ASYCUDA,Helptooltorespondtoqueries.

7. CategorizationofCustomsofficialsasprovidersofessentialservicesandthusenablingthemtocontinuetoworkduringlockdown

43



• Restrictionshavebeenliftedandthefollowingarenowoperational:- Wholesaleshops Hardwareshops Garagesforrepairandservicingofautomobiles Metalfabricationandwoodworkshops Insuranceproviderstostartoperations Restaurantsoperatebutonlyontakeawaybasis Warehouses


MinistryofTrade,Industry&Cooperatives P.O.Box7103KAMPALAUganda Tel:+25641230916;Fax:+25641341247;E-mail:[email protected] HighCommissioner&PermanentRepresentativetoCOMESAUganda HighCommission 25MsasaneRoadOysterbay P.O.Box6237DARESSALAAMTanzania

Tel:2556222667200;Email:[email protected] or [email protected]


Zambia

BackgroundFirst case reported on 18 March 2020


• Citizenswhohavetestedpositivebutarenotshowinganysymptomsbeallowedtogoinself-isolationandstrictlyobservehealthguidelines.Healthofficialsmustconductsurveillanceonsuchpersonstomonitortheirsituation.

• Patients who have tested positive and have underlying illnesses such astuberculosis and HIV/AIDS must be placed under quarantine in governmentdesignatedhealthfacilities.

• AlltravellersarrivinginZambiafromanycountrywithconfirmedCOVID-19casesarerequiredtoself-quarantineforaminimumof14days,andtoinformZambianheathofficialsiftheydevelopsymptoms.

• AlltravellerscomingintoZambiawillberequiredtoprovideanegativeCOVID-19(SARS-CoV-2)PCR test result.The testshouldhavebeenconductedwithin theprevious 14 days prior of arrival to Zambia. Travelers who do not meet thisrequirementwillnotbeallowedintoZambia.

• TheGovernmentofZambiahassuspendedalltouristvisasuntilfurthernotice.• Healthscreeningatallentrypoints.• Nakondeborderreopenedtocargoafterconclusionofimplementationoftargeted

measures.• TheKennethKaunda InternationalAirport in Lusaka remainsopenuntil further

notice.• Conferences,meetingsandworkshopsinvolvinglargegroupsofpeoplebanned;

Butsomeliftingofrestrictiontoholdingchurchservicesandotherpublicgatheringssince24thApril -LusakaCityCouncilhasput inplaceprocedures forobtainingcertification/permitforholdingachurchserviceorpublicgathering.

• Asfrom23rdJuly2020,remainingschoolclassesthathavenotre-openedincludingcollegesanduniversitiestoremainclosed.

• Bars,andnightclubs,toremainclosed.• Restaurants,cinemas,gymnasiums,andcasinostoopenbutmustadheretothe

stipulatedpublichealthguidelines.• Hotelsandlodgesshouldconsiderresumingnormaloperations.• Police to restrict numbers of people visiting inmates and suspects in police

detention.

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• Citizenswhohavetestedpositivebutarenotshowinganysymptomsbeallowedtogoinself-isolationandstrictlyobservehealthguidelines.Healthofficialsmustconductsurveillanceonsuchpersonstomonitortheirsituation.

• Patients who have tested positive and have underlying illnesses such astuberculosis and HIV/AIDS must be placed under quarantine in governmentdesignatedhealthfacilities.

• AlltravellersarrivinginZambiafromanycountrywithconfirmedCOVID-19casesarerequiredtoself-quarantineforaminimumof14days,andtoinformZambianheathofficialsiftheydevelopsymptoms.

• AlltravellerscomingintoZambiawillberequiredtoprovideanegativeCOVID-19(SARS-CoV-2)PCR test result.The testshouldhavebeenconductedwithin theprevious 14 days prior of arrival to Zambia. Travelers who do not meet thisrequirementwillnotbeallowedintoZambia.

• TheGovernmentofZambiahassuspendedalltouristvisasuntilfurthernotice.• Healthscreeningatallentrypoints.• Nakondeborderreopenedtocargoafterconclusionofimplementationoftargeted

measures.• TheKennethKaunda InternationalAirport in Lusaka remainsopenuntil further

notice.• Conferences,meetingsandworkshopsinvolvinglargegroupsofpeoplebanned;

Butsomeliftingofrestrictiontoholdingchurchservicesandotherpublicgatheringssince24thApril -LusakaCityCouncilhasput inplaceprocedures forobtainingcertification/permitforholdingachurchserviceorpublicgathering.

• Asfrom23rdJuly2020,remainingschoolclassesthathavenotre-openedincludingcollegesanduniversitiestoremainclosed.

• Bars,andnightclubs,toremainclosed.• Restaurants,cinemas,gymnasiums,andcasinostoopenbutmustadheretothe

stipulatedpublichealthguidelines.• Hotelsandlodgesshouldconsiderresumingnormaloperations.• Police to restrict numbers of people visiting inmates and suspects in police

detention.• Prisonauthoritiestoensuredetentionfacilitiesarenotovercrowded.• Socialdistancingofatleastonetotwometerstobeobserved.• Socialgatheringsbanned.• Ministry of Health has set up the Epidemic Preparedness Fund amounting to

Kwacha57million(app.US$3.17million).• CabinetapprovedaCOVID-19ContingencyandResponsePlanwithaBudgetof

659Mill.Kwacha(app.US$36.6M)undertheDisasterManagementandMitigationUnit.

• MeetingsoftheCouncilofMinisters,CommitteeofPermanentSecretaries,andtheNationalEpidemicPreparedness,PreventionControlandManagementCommittee(NEPPC&MC)havebeenconvenedsincethedeclarationoftheoutbreak.



• To support easing of liquidity, Government to release Kwacha 2.5 billion (app.US$140Mill)toreducearrearsowedtodomesticsuppliesofgoodsandservices,payoutstandingarrearsofpensionersandretirees.

• Kwacha140million(app.US$7.8Million)tobepaidtolocalcontractorsintheroadsector.

• ZambiaRevenueAuthority (ZRA) to suspend excise duty on imported ethanol-basedsanitizersandothermedicine-relatedactivitiessubjecttoguidelinestobeissuedbyZRA

• Nakondebordertemporarilyclosedtoallowforscreening,testingandsanitization.• Internationalcommercialflightoptionscurrentlyexist inZambiawithEthiopian

Airlines.• VATpaymentsonimportedspare-parts,lubricants,andstationerytoberemoved

toeasepressureoncompanies.• Suspension of import duties on the importation of concentrates in themining

sectortoeasepressureonthesector.• Suspensionofexportdutyonpreciousmetalsandcrocodileskins.• The Government has put in placemeasures to encourage the use of digital

financialservicestominimizeuseofcashmoneyandminimizepersontopersoncontactsinconductingfinancialtransactionsby:I. waivingchargesforpersontopersonelectronicmoneytransfersofupto

Kwacha150:thesetransactionsarethustobefreeofcharge.II. Removingthetransactionandbalancelimitsonagentsandcorporate

wallets.III. ReducingtheprocessingfeesforRealTimeGrossSettlementSystem.

• Pre-clearanceande-Paymentstronglyencouragedtoreducehumancontact• UseofRiskManagementandselectivity• Truckdriversareallowedentryatborderpointshowever, theyaresubjected to

testingand kept undermandatory quarantine for 14dayson entry if showingsymptomsoriftheyareoriginatingfromhighriskcountries


MinistryofCommerce,TradeandIndustryP.O.Box31968LUSAKAZambiaTel:+260223617/228301;Fax:+260226673Email:[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; kabuswe.bwalya@mcti.gov.zmZambiaNationalPublicHealthInstitute.Email:[email protected]

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• On 17March 2020 the President declared the pandemic a State of NationalDisasterandon19thMarchaCOVID-19NationalPreparednessandResponsePlanwaslaunched.

• On 3rd August 2020 Beitbridge Border Post was temporarily closed fordecontamination after five employees of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority(Zimra)testedpositiveforCOVID-19,amidunconfirmedreportsthatthecaseshadrisento12.

• ZimbabweisamongsevenothercountriesthatincludeLiberia,Cameroon,SierraLeone,Nigeria,Morocco, andZambia thatwill startadministeringcoronavirusantibodytestsbeginningfromtheweekof24thAugust2020inthehopethatthiswillhelpinreopeningtheeconomy.

• On 7th August 2020 the Public Service Commission directed Governmentdepartments to reduceessentialservicestaffby15%of thecurrentmemberscomingtowork,providetoolsoftradesothatpeopleworkfromhome,fumigateofficeseverytwoweeks,reducethenumberofpeoplewhousepublictransporttocurbtheincreaseinCOVID-19cases.

• On 10th August 2020, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services adoptedmeasurestocontainthespreadofCOVID-19,includingeducatinginmatesonthepandemicandcultivatingacultureofadherencetovarioushealthregulations.

• Suspensionofgatheringsofmorethan50peopleincludingsuspensionofprayersatchurchesandmosques

• Cancellation of political meetings and major events like the ZimbabweInternationalTradeFair(ZITF)

• Designationofjournalistsasanessentialservice(SI93of2020)• Reductionofemployeeattendanceatgovernmentandprivateworkplaces(except

forcriticalstaff).• Gazette Public Health (Covid-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment)

Regulations2020on23Marchtoallowforcompulsorytesting• Toeasethesituationinquarantineandisolationfacilities,theGovernmentadopted

newWorldHealthOrganisation(WHO)guidelinesthatwillallowasymptomaticandsymptomaticCOVID-19patientstobedischargedafter10daysand13days,respectively.

Zimbabwe




• Asof22July,lockdownwasreintroducedbarringpeoplefromaccessingCBDsofmajorurbancenters

• Adusktodawncurfew(6pmto6am)wasimposed.• AuthoritiesavailedoverZWL$100million(app.US$2million)tofightCOVID-19.

Governmentliftedfreezeonhiringforthehealthsectorandtorecruitadditionalmedicalpersonnel

• Masstestingintensified.• Useofschoolsbychurchesbannedasfrom8thJuly2020toreducetheriskof

infectionswhenschoolsreopen


• On6thAugust2020,PresidentEmmersonMnangagwaofficially launched theNational Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy which is expected to guidethe resurgence of the sector which was hard-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.The launchof thestrategyalsosawtheofficial reopeningof theVictoriaFallsRainforestwhichwas closed earlier this year as part ofmeasures to containspreadofcoronavirus.

• Asof22July2020,onlyessentialserviceprovidersallowedinCBD• OnlyregisteredSMESallowedtooperateunderWHOconditions• Foodmarketsremainopen• Churchgatheringsremainbanned• Reductionofmainlendingratefrom25%to15%byReserveBankofZimbabwe

effective1May2020• Arrangementmade in July 2020 for cross border traders to buy goods from

Beitbridgeasopposedtogoinginland• ZW$17million(US$270,000)relieffundavailedtoassistyouthwhosebusinesses

orsurvivalactivitieswereaffectedbyCOVID-19• Authorizationtocompaniestoextendthepaymentofcorporatetaxes(waiving

interestandpenalties)• Relaxation of restrictive measures in the formal sector allowing commercial

businessesandindustrytooperatesubjecttoadherencetosethealthguidelinesthatinclude,temperaturechecks,sanitizationandwearingoffacialmasksandsocialdistancing.

• Onlypublictransportallowedbackontheroads-minibusesandsmallinformaltransportersnotyetoperational

• Beginning16May2020businessessuchasmanufacturers,supermarketsandbanksallowedtooperatenormallyasbeforethelockdown(8½hoursfrom8amto4:30pm)asopposedtotheprevious6hours.

• Busestobesanitizedatspecifiedtimes• ZWL$15billion($720million)economicrescuerandstimuluspackageannounced

bythegovernmenttosupportbusinesses• SuspensionofdutiesandtaxesonvariousgoodsandservicesrelatedtoCOVID-19,

includingontesting,protection,sterilization,andothermedicalconsumables.• Relaxationofsomeprocurement regulationswithaviewof facilitatingspeedy

procurementofessentialgoodsandservices.• Return of themulticurrency systemallowing both Zimbabwean dollar andUS

dollaraslegaltender.• Reductioninbankpolicyratefrom35percentto25percent.• Reductionofthestatutoryreserveratioonbankdepositsfrom5percentto4.5

percent.• Increase of the private sector lending facility by the central bank from ZW$1

billiontoZW$2.5billion.• · Movement from managed floating exchange rate system to a fixed

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MinistryofForeignAffairsandInternationalTradeP.O.Box4240HARAREZim-babweTel:+2634794681-6/+263793372-5Fax:+2634705161Email: [email protected]



∑ Closure of borders and banning of commercial flights effective 19th March ∑ Closure of all schools and institutions of higher learning effective 23rd March until further com-

munication∑ Covid-19 Task Force which includes ministries of health and trade created∑ A lockdown imposed for all non-essential services/travel from 23rd March to 15th April now ex-

tended until 4th May∑ Mandatory wearing of face masks while out of home ∑ Precautionary measures including handwashing stations mandatory at all public facilities∑ The supermarkets and shops selling essential commodities opened from Monday to Saturday

from 0900hrs to 17.00hrs but families restricted to shopping only twice a week for a maximum of 30 minutes each

∑ Mauritians to be in possession of their National Identity Card and foreigners to present either their passport, residence permit or work permit

∑ Only one person per family will be allowed in stores∑ Home loan repayment deferred for six months∑ Postponement of court cases∑ Wage support


∑ Food safety net for vulnerable persons in place.∑ Sanitary control at the entry and those with a temperature above 37.50C will be taken in charge

by the Ministry of Health and Wellness∑ Shopping restricted to 30 minutes only and shoppers to carry their own bags∑ Access limited to only three per persons for essential products e.g flour, rice, oil, milk, tissue

papers∑ Other measures:

o Establishment of a special relief fund to support small scale enterpriseso A COVID-19 Solidarity Fund was put in place to support the population


∑ Introduction of a moratorium of six months on capital repayment for existing loans for enter-prises that are being affected by COVID-19

∑ Provision of a special Relief fund through commercial banks to meet cash flow and working capital requirements of economic operators which are being directly impacted by COVID-19

∑ Reduction of a cash reserve ratio applicable for commercial banks from 9 to 8%. This reduction is a key measure that aims at supporting banks to further assist businesses which are being directly impacted by COVID-19

∑ Provision of financial support to workers in the informal sector of 50% of the monthly minimum wage

∑ A standing committee to be formed to explore potential ways to limit the impact of the Covid-19 on trade and businesses. The committee will be under Ministry of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives

Coordinating Ministry(Focal point contacts)

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International TradePORT LOUISRepublic of MauritiusTel: (230) 405 2541; (230) 405 2622Fax: (230) 211 3148, (230) 2137674Email: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

ThehighlightofthisbulletinisthenumberofrecoveriesthathavebeenrecordedinthelastfivedaysastheyofferreliefthattheCoronavirusislosinggroundintheregion.Whilethetotalnumberofreportedcasesis

4,610,theactivecasesarecurrentlyat3,444with910recoveriesand256fatalities.

Egyptleadswith589recoveriesoutof2,190reportedcases.Majorityofcountriesintheregionhaverecordedsignificantnumbersintermsofnewrecoveriesalmostbalancingoutwiththetotalnumberofnewcaseswhichincreasedby922sinceApril10.2020.

ThehighnumbersofnewcaseswererecordedinEgypt(491),Djibouti(158),Tunisia(83)andSomalia(48).Despite the increase, fatalities generally remained low at 256. A panoramic view of the regional data issummarizedinthetableandtrendbelow.

Regional Trend Country Perspective

Category 1: Over 500 casesEgyptandTunisiacontinuetorecordthetotalnumberofcasesintheregionwith2,190and726,respectively.Althoughthetwocountrieshavethehighestnumberofcases,acomparisonwiththelastupdateindicatesthatEgyptrecordedahighnumberofnewcases(491)and589recoverieswhileTunisiahad83newand43recoveries.Giventheserecoveries,thenumbersofactivecasesinEgypthavereducedto1,437whilsttheonesinTunisiahavereducedto649.

Category 2: 100 – 500 CasesDjiboutihascontinuedtorecordcomparativelyhighnumbersofnewcasesandhasnowcrossedtocategorytwowithinashortspan.Withthisdevelopment,itisimportanttocontinuetocloselymonitorDjibouti’strendinthecomingdays.Therestofthefivecountriesinthiscategoryreportedlownumberofnewcases.Category 3: Below 100 CasesWhileinthepastupdates,countriesinthiscategoryhadrecordedverylownumbersofnewcasesanemergingtrendindicatesthatthenumbersofnewcasesinEthiopiaandSomaliaareonanupward.Ifthistrendmaintains,thetwocountriesarelikelytocrosstocategory2withinashortperiodoftime.However,Burundi,Eswatini,MalawiandSeychellescontinuetomaintainlownumbersofnewcases.

Source: World Health Organisation, Worldometer, Johns Hopkins University

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