What's the government response timeline for Angola?

On 16 March, Secretary of State for Public Health announced in a press conference that since February 26th, 104 citizens have been screened and tested, all tasted negative for Covid -19. It seems like testing was being carried out for suspect international travelers. However, this press conference seems to be the only time the testing policy details have been furnished during the early stages of the pandemic in Angola. https://www.angop.ao/angola/en_us/noticias/saude/2020/2/12/COVID-Latest-tests-negative-Angola,18904220-5384-411c-b940-4346a6c805ef.html

"Authorities announced a measure on Sunday, March 1, temporarily banning citizens of China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria from entering Angola due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The measure only applies to citizens traveling to Angola directly from the aforementioned countries; the restriction does not apply to those traveling via a third country." https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/318971/angola-entry-restrictions-implemented-amid-covid-19-outbreak-march-1-update-1

Border closed for 15 days. https://www.namibian.com.na/199267/archive-read/Angola-closes-borders-for-15-days

From 24 March, schools and universities have been suspended. http://portocanal.sapo.pt/noticia/214237

The government announced that all gatherings of more than 200 are prohibited from 24 March. https://www.upstreamonline.com/safety/sonangol-official-one-of-two-covid-19-cases-in-angola-report/2-1-779461

Schools closed, includes limited coronavirus messaging from government http://portocanal.sapo.pt/noticia/214237

The government declared a State of Emergency which requires people to stay home except for buying essential goods and services. By extension, public events of all types are prohibited. Source: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/angola-luanda/current/news/observations-on-the-state-of-emergency-that-has-been-in-place-in-angola-since-00.00-on-march-27-2020/

On 27 March, the government declared a Health State of Emergency. Under this, all the individuals in the country have been ordered to remain indoors, with the only exception of leaving for the purchase of medical supplies or in case of emergencies. All private gatherings were banned. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/331501/angola-state-of-emergency-extended-until-april-25-update-5 On 23 April he health state of emergency has then been extended to 10 May. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/336006/angola-authorities-extend-state-of-emergency-to-may-10-update-6

"Most citizens are prohibited from using public transport. Private and public transport will continue to operate but only to transport people who have to go to work and they can only carry one third of their full capacity. Moto taxi is prohibited. See: " https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/angola-luanda/current/news/observations-on-the-state-of-emergency-that-has-been-in-place-in-angola-since-00.00-on-march-27-2020/

On March 27, the minister of Territory Administration, Adão de Almeida announced that one exceptional measure contained in the Presidential Decree on the State of Emergency requires that people should stay at home except for when acquiring essential goods and services. Source: http://www.governo.gov.ao/VerNoticia.aspx?id=49642# The State of Emergency has been extended to 10 May on 25 April. Source: https://newsghana.com.gh/angola-extends-state-of-emergency-until-may-10/

"During the State of Emergency, each citizen must remain in the province where he is from the moment it entered into force, not being able to move to another." Source: http://www.governo.gov.ao/VerNoticia.aspx?id=49642# The State of Emergency has been in place since 27 March and has even been extended till 10 May on 25 May. Source: https://newsghana.com.gh/angola-extends-state-of-emergency-until-may-10/

State of emergency was declared on 27 March till 25 May. During this period, borders are to remain closed except to import food, basic goods, hospital supplies and equipment, for humanitarian aid, and evacuation of sick people https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/angola-luanda/current/news/observations-on-the-state-of-emergency-that-has-been-in-place-in-angola-since-00.00-on-march-27-2020/

The Secretary of State for Public Health announced that Angola will test for coronavirus, in all provinces, from the 1 April until 15 April. Link: http://www.governo.gov.ao/VerNoticia.aspx?id=49700

Private businesses are closed, but essential businesses remain open. See official State of Emergency still in place: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/angola-luanda/current/news/observations-on-the-state-of-emergency-that-has-been-in-place-in-angola-since-00.00-on-march-27-2020/

As of 1st of April, the current quarantine centres will test and support any positive cases with mild symptoms. See: http://www.governo.gov.ao/VerNoticia.aspx?id=49700

No mention on government websites, or in the media

State of emergency extended additional 15 days https://reliefweb.int/report/angola/unicef-angola-covid-19-response-interventions-issue-2

April 9 statement indicated that the social cash transfer program for the most deprived families will begin in May 2020. See: http://www.governo.gov.ao/VerLegislacao.aspx?id=2418

April 9 measures announced: Water and Energy - there should be no cuts in supply to customers with difficulties in payment during the month of April; Provision of Kwanzas 315 million to guarantee the distribution of goods from the basic basket to the community. See: http://www.governo.gov.ao/VerLegislacao.aspx?id=2418 http://archive.vn/wip/5tkeE (unarchived source: https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/ao/Documents/Covid-19/Webcast%20Apresentação%20CTSU-CAF%20COVID-19%20Angola%20ENG.pdf)

The State of Emergency has been extended till 10 May. https://newsghana.com.gh/angola-extends-state-of-emergency-until-may-10/

State of Emergency still in place

State of Emergency still in place

Passengers and airline crew who have been in China, France, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Portugal or Spain are not allowed to enter Angola. See: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-travel-restrictions-border-shutdowns-country-200318091505922.html. Also, borders remain closed except to import food, basic goods, hospital supplies and equipment, for humanitarian aid, and evacuation of sick people. See: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/angola-luanda/current/news/observations-on-the-state-of-emergency-that-has-been-in-place-in-angola-since-00.00-on-march-27-2020/

For example, see: https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/angola-covid-19-accelerated-response-caravan-begins-countrywide-operation

On Thursday, April 23, Angola's National Assembly announced that the current nationwide state of emergency will be extended until Sunday, May 10. Schools remain closed. See: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/336006/angola-authorities-extend-state-of-emergency-to-may-10-update-6

On 23 April, the State of Emergency was extended by the government for 15 days. Under the new measures, public departments were allowed to expand their working hours from 8am to 6pm, with no more than 50 percent of their staff. Industrial activity was also resumed around the country, including crucial public works. Further, informal markets and street vendors were allowed to operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. https://clubofmozambique.com/news/angola-parliament-extends-state-of-emergency-158502/ https://m.portalangop.co.ao/angola/en_us/mobile/noticias/politica/2020/3/17/Parliament-extends-State-Emergency,96cd3afa-610d-4de3-911f-4487a47b1a95.html?version=mobile

The ban on public transportation has been partially lifted; operations will continue between 05:00 and 18:00 every day, limiting the number of people to 50 percent of seating capacity. Face masks will also be required on public transportation. See: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/336006/angola-authorities-extend-state-of-emergency-to-may-10-update-6

" According to reports, individuals will be able to travel between provinces for commercial activities starting Sunday, April 26; however, leisurely movements will remain banned." https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/336006/angola-authorities-extend-state-of-emergency-to-may-10-update-6

On 23 April, the State of Emergency was extended by the government for 15 days. Under the new measures, circulation of people for commercial activities among provinces, except Luanda, was allowed. Movement to and from Luanda remained banned. https://clubofmozambique.com/news/angola-parliament-extends-state-of-emergency-158502/ https://m.portalangop.co.ao/angola/en_us/mobile/noticias/politica/2020/3/17/Parliament-extends-State-Emergency,96cd3afa-610d-4de3-911f-4487a47b1a95.html?version=mobile

As of April 24, Angola had introduced news social protection measures. https://theconversation.com/explainer-why-covid-19-provides-a-lesson-for-africa-to-fund-social-assistance-137175 "As part of a package of social protection responses, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Family, and Women’s Promotion (MASFAMU) announced that the Child Grant implemented in Bie, Moxico, and Uige provinces will be topped up (from 3000 to 5000 Kwanzas, or approximately US$6 to US$10 monthly) and a double payment will be made. The government has also adapted the payment procedures to ensure adequate sanitation and worker protection during the transfers. (top up and extra payment)" https://www.ugogentilini.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Country-SP-COVID-responses_May15.pdf

State of emergency extended, includes debt relief such as tenant protections and prohibition of evictions. State of emergency extended twice. http://archive.vn/wip/nWvmM http://archive.vn/gMl5y

State of emergency extended until May 25 meaning schools remain closed. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/340286/angola-authorities-extend-state-of-emergency-to-may-25-update-7 https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/angola/staying-during-coronavirus

"All citizens are to remain at home, but specified exemptions for some workers,"; "Closure of most shops, other than those selling food or medicine which are operating reduced hours." - extended until May 25 https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/angola/staying-during-coronavirus

"sporting events, festivals, and gatherings larger than 50 people have been banned." - as of May 13 https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

"sporting events, festivals, and gatherings larger than 50 people have been banned." - as of May 13 https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

"Reduced public transport" extended until May 25. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/angola/staying-during-coronavirus

"All citizens are to remain at home, but specified exemptions for some workers, essential shopping and medical treatment." -extended until May 25 https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/angola/staying-during-coronavirus

The State of Emergency was extended till May 25, with the next extension period starting from 11 May. During this period, Luanda’s lockdown remains in place, with entry and exit banned, while circulation of people and goods will remain effective in the other 17 provinces of the country for commercial activity. Leisure trips remain banned. http://www.angop.ao/angola/en_us/noticias/politica/2020/4/19/President-extends-state-emergency,6fa62485-4c62-4bbc-8759-2d098a2846dc.html (Not archivable) https://allafrica.com/stories/202005120436.html Further, authorities isolated the Hoji Ya Henda suburb of Luanda from May 13 after COVID-19 cases were recorded in the area. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=915988248826251&id=531195587305521&comment_id=916015275490215 https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/342266/angola-luanda-suburb-placed-on-lockdown-may-13-update-8

"All borders have been closed." - as of May 13 https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Military-led awareness campaign on the use of face masks in place - this has caused controversy: The home affairs ministry said a 17-year-old boy "was a victim of a gunshot" fired by a soldier while "allegedly" protesting against a military-led awareness campaign on the use of face mask. See: https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/angolan-soldier-kills-teen-during-virus-mask-operation-20200516. Also: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/angola-teen-killed-soldier-coronavirus-mask-operation-200516141627616.html

Education facilities remain closed. See: https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-angola-declares-state-calamity-may-26

Markets and street vendors can operate between 06:00 and 15:00, with buyers and sellers required to wear face masks and maintain social distance. Informal markets with a large concentration of people are prohibited. As of May 26, restaurants will be allowed to reopen at lunchtime between Monday and Saturday and until 22:30 from June 8. Nightlife establishments remain closed until further regulations are approved. See: https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-angola-declares-state-calamity-may-26

Note: Recreational activities such as fairs will be permitted to reopen from June 24. See: https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-angola-declares-state-calamity-may-26

Note however: as part of the downgrading to a state of calamity on May 26, recreational, cultural, and leisure activities will resume in three phases. From June 8, museums, theatres, monuments, exhibitions, fairs, and art galleries will be able to operate. Libraries will reopen on July 13, and cinemas from July 31. In all cases rooms will be limited to 50 percent capacity, face masks will be mandatory, and social distance must be maintained. See: https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-angola-declares-state-calamity-may-26

Under new state of calamity measure: public transportation will continue to operate at 50 percent of passenger capacity between 0500-1800. See: https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-angola-declares-state-calamity-may-26

The government of Angola has downgraded the country's state of emergency to a state of calamity May 26-June 9 in continuing efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Citizens are urged to stay at home unless for essential services and shopping. See: https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-angola-declares-state-calamity-may-26

Entry and exit into the capital, Luanda, remains restricted. All leisure movement between provinces remains banned. Movement between provinces for commercial reasons is allowed, except for Luanda. See: https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-angola-declares-state-calamity-may-26

Note however: Under the new state of calamity declaration, Angolan nationals and foreign residents can now return, subject to medical checks. See: https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-angola-declares-state-calamity-may-26

Cannot find any updated information on debt relief now that the state of calamity has ended.

Efforts to educate population via a variety of channels on prevention, symptoms, etc. https://www.afro.who.int/news/community-health-mobilizers-frontlines-angolas-covid-19-response (link not archivable)

Non-essential sectors allowed to reopen, such as museums. https://www.verangola.net/va/en/062020/Culture/20401/Museums-reopen-under-strict-measures-of-security.htm

"The sanitary restrictions have been lifted in 17 out 18 provinces, but only for interprovincial movements related to commerce and business activities, excluding to and from Luanda, which is under a cordon sanitaire" https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"Schools and universities are closed until further notice", just updated on US Embassy website. https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

"sporting events, festivals, and gatherings larger than 50 people have been banned." https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

"sporting events, festivals, and gatherings larger than 50 people have been banned." https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Air and land travel over the border still suspended. https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

"Preparatory work for “Valor Criança - Emergência”, the planned cash transfer programme in Luanda, gathered pace. An agreement with service provider (Banco BAI) was finalized and the communication plan revised. Two remote training sessions were provided on social protection, cash transfers, community involvement and registration of beneficiaries for municipal focal points and NGO Atos staff. This was accompanied by face-to-face training on digital processes using tablets to aid registration of beneficiaries. Registration of beneficiaries in target communities started and over 300 children had been registered by June 12th . The programme supports inclusion of vulnerable populations: of those registered so far, 60% are women-headed households, and 17% of caregivers and 3% of children have a disability. This programme is an extension of the European Union funded APROSOC Project. “Valor Criança emergência” is being implemented thanks to the generous financial support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)." https://reliefweb.int/report/angola/unicef-angola-covid-19-situation-report-no4-8-june-22-june-2020

Still current: https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Still current https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Still current https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"The sanitary restrictions have been lifted in 17 out 18 provinces, but only for interprovincial movements related to commerce and business activities, excluding to and from Luanda, which is under a cordon sanitaire until July 10." https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Borders remain closed: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/angola/staying-during-coronavirus

Still current

Still current, no debt/contract relief found

Still current, varied information available via channels including official Ministry of Health website: https://www.minsa.gov.ao/

Still current, new cases are being tested and reported https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

"Angolan president João Lourenço decreed Tuesday continued cordon sanitaire for the country's capital Luanda and the northern Cuanza Norte province's Cazengo municipality, from 09 July to 09 August this year due to COVID-19 pandemic."; "Religious activities are still suspended, while funeral ceremonies are restricted to 10 participants for deaths due to "extra-covid-19" (normal deaths) and 5 people for funerals of deceased with the new coronavirus."; "on public it can only be done with a maximum of 10 people" https://allafrica.com/stories/202007080653.html

"Angolan president João Lourenço decreed Tuesday continued cordon sanitaire for the country's capital Luanda and the northern Cuanza Norte province's Cazengo municipality, from 09 July to 09 August this year due to COVID-19 pandemic."; "Public transport, on the other hand, will be restricted to 50% and operating from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm." https://allafrica.com/stories/202007080653.html

"Angolan president João Lourenço decreed Tuesday continued cordon sanitaire for the country's capital Luanda and the northern Cuanza Norte province's Cazengo municipality, from 09 July to 09 August this year due to COVID-19 pandemic"; including "Remaining indoors, unless needs and urgent issues justify leaving home." https://allafrica.com/stories/202007080653.html

The Angolan government extended the circulation time for all public transportation in the Province of Luandaon 26 July. From 26 July to 9 August, the public transportation maintains a 50% capacity and operates from 5 am to 8 pm. http://archive.vn/CJ4Hq

School closures are still in place in Angola https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Businesses and restaurants are limited to 50 percent capacity and can only operate between the hours of 6am and 4pm (restaurants must close their dining rooms at 4pm, although they are permitted to offer take out through 10p.m.). https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

All public events and religious gatherings are cancelled. https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Groups are limited to no more than 5 people https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Public transportation is limited to 50 percent capacity and is only available until 6p.m https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

The Angolan government has established quarantine areas: one, encompassing Luanda Province, and the second, around the municipality of Cazengo in Cuanza Norte province. Within these areas, strict measures are in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Fines may be imposed on violators. The use of a face mask is required in all public areas, including anytime you leave your house or hotel room, and in all establishments. https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

The Angolan government has established quarantine areas: one, encompassing Luanda Province, and the second, around the municipality of Cazengo in Cuanza Norte province. Within these areas, strict measures are in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Fines may be imposed on violators. The use of a face mask is required in all public areas, including anytime you leave your house or hotel room, and in all establishments. the areas within the quarantine districts (Luanda Province and the municipality of Cazengo, in the Province of Cuanza Norte) are closed to overland personal travel or domestic passenger flights through August 9, 2020. https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Land borders remain closed for all https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

support for workers and vulnerable groups, including through increased transfers to poor families, social security benefits (especially to low-income beneficiaries), unemployment insurance benefits, and payments to minimum-wage workers; https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

No new information

There is aa coordinated health information strategy. https://ao.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Authorities expanded the testing activities to hospitals, informal markets, and public institutions https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

there isnt information go give a conclusive policy decision. However, because testing has become more accessible, it may be assumed that there is more contact tracing as well

'Schools are permitted to hold classes virtually only, and not in person.' (updated 11 August) http://archive.fo/M3e9L

'Public transportation is limited to 50 percent capacity and is only available from 5a.m. until 8p.m' http://archive.fo/M3e9L

'The Angolan government has established quarantine areas: one, encompassing Luanda Province, and the second, around the municipality of Cazengo in Cuanza Norte province. Criminal charges may be brought against anyone who leaves the quarantine area. Within these areas, strict measures are in place to limit the spread of COVID-19' http://archive.fo/M3e9L

'The Angolan government has established quarantine areas: one, encompassing Luanda Province, and the second, around the municipality of Cazengo in Cuanza Norte province. Criminal charges may be brought against anyone who leaves the quarantine area.' http://archive.fo/M3e9L

The government's COVID-19 Facebook page remains active with regular updates. http://archive.fo/bZO07