What's the government response timeline for Benin?

It seems like screening started sometime very early in February. On February 11 2020, a ministerial delegation accompanied by UN representatives visited the Cardinal Bernardin GANTIN international airport in Cotonou. The objective of this presence at one of the main gateways to the national territory was to observe the effectiveness of the measures taken by the Government to protect the populations against Coronavirus. The guided visit made it possible to be convinced of the entire system in place to identify potential suspect cases and organise effective treatment. During the visit, the delegation was able to appreciate the communication tools put in place at the airport, the hand washing device using hydro-alcoholic gel, the thermal cameras installed at the Hall and lounge level and the isolation room for the rapid treatment of identified potential suspect. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/504/epidemie-de-coronavirus-une-delegation-ministerielle-a-laeroport-de-cotonou-pour-apprecier-le-dispositif/

For example, the National Director of Public Health, Dr Liamidi SALAMI, presented a global communication on the current situation, the various measures taken by the Government to prevent the spread of the virus and the seven key measures to be observed by each citizen. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/515/prevention-contre-coronavirus-les-promoteurs-touristiques-et-hoteliers-sapproprient-le-dispositif-de-riposte/

Government posters on best practice regarding hygiene. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/529/coronavirus-point-des-mesures-prises-par-le-gouvernement/

For example, following the first case in Togo (who had travelled through Benin), a SitRep was initiated i.e a report situation which allows us to trace the whole circuit and identify all the contacts. So, we already had the telephone contacts of the parents in Benin and we are in the process of locating them all because we have to trace them all and trace all the contacts they may have had also in order to proceed to quarantine and monitoring for 14 days to make sure they are not also developing the disease. This is done and all the rapid intervention teams that we have at the Atlantic and Littoral level have already been deployed and are hard at work to fully finalise the identification of all these contact cases. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/541/coronavirus-point-de-la-situation-au-benin/

With the first isolation and care centre, people suspected of being infected with the virus will be examined. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/542/coronavirus-zoom-sur-le-premier-centre-disolement-et-de-prise-en-charge-au-benin./

Persons entering Benin who are coming from countries affected by COVID-19 (including countries with only a single case of COVID-19) must identify themselves by calling the COVID-19 hotline (+229 95 36 11 07 or +229 51 04 00 00). Such persons must self-isolate for a period of 14 days and may be subject to additional screening and/or relocation to a quarantine facility. https://bj.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-cotonou-benin-2/

The government of Benin has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. When passengers arrive in Benin from a country affected by the COVID-19 Coronavirus epidemic, they are expected to self-isolate/quarantine for 14 days. Persons entering Benin by air will be placed in a government-designated quarantine facility for a period of 14 days. For non-Beninese citizens, the costs of this stay will be incurred by the traveler. In addition, the Government of Benin has placed restrictions on the issuance of entry visas to Benin. Visit the website of the Government of Benin for additional information on these new measures. See: https://bj.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-cotonou-benin-march-18-2020/; https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/550/coronavirus-tout-savoir-sur-le-plan-dauto-isolement/

Note however: Obligation for banks, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, businesses and other establishments open to the public, to provide protection and hygiene measures, and to make customers and users observe the distance between them. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/556/coronavirus-les-11-mesures-prises-par-le-conseil-extraordinaire-des-ministres-au-benin/

Suspension of all demonstrations and all other non-essential sports, cultural, religious, political and festive events. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/556/coronavirus-les-11-mesures-prises-par-le-conseil-extraordinaire-des-ministres-au-benin/

Only recommendations: Recommendation to grieving people to limit the funerals of their deceased to a strict minimum and to postpone subsequent events; Recommendation to religious leaders to enforce, during worship, the health security distance of at least one meter between worshipers, to avoid handshakes, braces and all other contaminating gestures. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/556/coronavirus-les-11-mesures-prises-par-le-conseil-extraordinaire-des-ministres-au-benin/

Note however: Obligation for public transporters to equip their employees as well as passengers in appropriate masks or bibs, and to respect the sanitary safety distances between occupants. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/556/coronavirus-les-11-mesures-prises-par-le-conseil-extraordinaire-des-ministres-au-benin/

People are allowed to go out, but advised to keep at a safe distance from others

As part of the implementation of the Covid-19 response strategy, the government of Benin decided, in concert with the religious denominations, to close places of worship throughout the country on March 22, 2020. https://sgg.gouv.bj/cm/2020-05-27/

School closures announced, but due March 30

All public and private schools and universities in Benin are closed from Monday March 30 to Monday April 13, 2020 inclusive (later extended until May 10); https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/567/coronavirus---communique-gouvernement-propos-deux-nouvelles-mesures-prises/

Bars, discos, and other places of celebration within the cordon must close; https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/571/coronavirus---communique-ministre-interieur-sujet-cordon-sanitaire/

For the cordon area around certain municipalities: prohibition of grouping of more than ten (10) people in all places except commercial spaces, with the obligation to respect a distance of one meter (1) minimum between people; burial ceremonies in strict family intimacy and not bringing together more than ten (10) people, who must respect the distance of at least one (1) meter between them. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/571/coronavirus---communique-ministre-interieur-sujet-cordon-sanitaire/

For the cordon areas, limitation of the number of passengers on board taxis and boats to a maximum of three; prohibition on motorcycle taxis to transport more than one person at a time; ban on the circulation of buses and minibuses for mass transit of people. Since this is a ban of mass transit (and hence public transport), recoded as 2T. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/571/coronavirus---communique-ministre-interieur-sujet-cordon-sanitaire/

It is established to count from Monday March 30, 2020 at 00h, a sanitary cordon around the municipalities most exposed to the pandemic that are Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, Allada, Ouidah, Sèmè-Podji, Porto-Novo, Akpro-Missérété and Adjarra to isolate them from the rest of the country. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/567/coronavirus---communique-gouvernement-propos-deux-nouvelles-mesures-prises/

School closures extended until May 10; https://www.unicef.org/appeals/files/UNICEF_Benin_COVID19_Situation_Report_10_April_2020.pdf

Cordon is extended to new localities and now includes the following municipalities: Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, Allada, Ouidah, Tori-Bossito, Kpomassè, Toffo, Zè, Sô-Ava, Aguégués, Sèmè-Podji, Porto-Novo, Akpro -Missérété, Adjara, and Atchoukpa (commune of Avrankou) and is maintained until Monday April 27, 2020 at midnight. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/604/coronavirus---15-communes-sein-cordon-sanitaire-riposte-contre-covid-19-benin/

In its overall response strategy, the government has opted for a systematic biological diagnosis of symptomatic people as well as all contacts of infected people. In addition, certain groups considered to be more exposed in particular, medical and paramedical personnel, personnel of the defense and security forces, the prison community, etc. will benefit from systematic screening. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/622/coronavirus---point-situation-20-avril-2020/

Cordon lifted, but closure of bars, discotheques, churches, mosques and other places of worship, beaches and other places of celebration remains in place; https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/571/coronavirus---communique-ministre-interieur-sujet-cordon-sanitaire/

Classes to resume for schoolchildren of the Middle Course 2nd year (CM2), pupils of middle and high schools and students from Monday 11 May 2020; pupils of the classes of Initiation Course (CI) in the Middle Course 1st year (CM1), they will return to class from August 10 to September 4, 2020 and will undergo their assessments from September 7 to 11, 2020, then will return to school in 2020 -2021, September 28, 2020 at the same time as all the other learners. As for nursery schools and day nurseries, they remain closed until the next school year begins. In addition, the reopening of schools, colleges and universities thus decided will be accompanied by the following measures: the obligation to wear masks for all users (learners, teachers, various support staff). To do this, free masks will be distributed in public schools, colleges and universities; systematic and progressive screening of teachers, administrative and service staff; As regards universities in particular, the amphitheatres remain closed and courses will be given online via a dedicated platform for this purpose. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/651/coronavirus---reouverture-ecoles-etablissements-enseignement-secondaire-universites-levee-cordon-sanitaire/

Cordon is lifted, but nationwide ban of gatherings of more than fifty (50) people remains in place; https://sgg.gouv.bj/cm/2020-05-06/ https://www.france24.com/en/20200517-benin-votes-in-controversial-elections-despite-covid-19-threat (For corroboration)

While cordon is lifted, the ban on the circulation of buses and minibuses for mass transit of people remains in place; https://sgg.gouv.bj/cm/2020-05-06/

Cordon areas have been lifted. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/666/coronavirus---levee-cordon-sanitaire-compter-lundi-11-2020-00heure/

On May 12, the Government of Benin announced mandatory COVID-19 testing of all airline passengers arriving in Benin. Tests will be done at passenger expense; fees are 100,000 CFA (approximately $165/€153), payable in cash only, and airlines may require advance payment as a condition of boarding. Passengers will be required to self-isolate for at least 48 hours until all results have been confirmed negative, and may be subject to additional testing after 15 days. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be subject to government-mandated isolation measures, which may include quarantine in a government-designated hotel at passenger expense. The Government of Benin said it will hold passengers’ passports until all testing and isolation requirements are met to ensure compliance. https://bj.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-cotonou-benin-15/

On May 12, the Government of Benin announced mandatory COVID-19 testing of all airline passengers arriving in Benin. Tests will be done at passenger expense; fees are 100,000 CFA (approximately $165/€153), payable in cash only, and airlines may require advance payment as a condition of boarding. Passengers will be required to self-isolate for at least 48 hours until all results have been confirmed negative, and may be subject to additional testing after 15 days. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be subject to government-mandated isolation measures, which may include quarantine in a government-designated hotel at passenger expense. The Government of Benin said it will hold passengers’ passports until all testing and isolation requirements are met to ensure compliance. https://bj.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-cotonou-benin-15/

As part of the municipal and municipal elections of Sunday, May 17, 2020, the following measures were taken: The holding of markets and public demonstrations is prohibited throughout the national territory on Sunday, May 17, 2020 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/681/communique-misp-relatif-fermeture-marches-frontieres-terrestres-debits-boissons-dimanche-17-2020/

As part of the municipal and municipal elections of Sunday, May 17, 2020, the following measures were also taken: the land borders of the Republic of Benin with neighbouring countries are closed from Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 12 a.m. to Monday, May 18, 2020 at 6 a.m. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/681/communique-misp-relatif-fermeture-marches-frontieres-terrestres-debits-boissons-dimanche-17-2020/

Border closure was only implemented for the elections on the 17th. Measures on systematic screening and quarantine in place.

Bars and pubs are allowed to reopen from 2 June with health measures in effect, and install hand sanitisers, otherwise must remain closed. https://www.gouv.bj/coronavirus/mesures/ http://archive.vn/dUNjY

As of 2 June, places of worship are allowed to reopen, with social distancing of at least 1 meter, wear face masks. These measures must be met before allowed to open. http://archive.vn/dUNjY

Public transport to resume on 2 June http://archive.vn/dUNjY

From the announcement made by the government on 10 June (translated from French): As part of the implementation of social measures related to the coronavirus pandemic, the government of Benin, meeting in a council of ministers on Wednesday June 10, 2020, has just ratified the implementation of a support program of 74.12 billions of FCFA, in favor of formal businesses, artisans and small trades in informal services, and the vulnerable, the poor and the extreme poor. The measures contained in the said program are articulated in three main points. It is : 1- support amounting to CFAF 63.38 billion for the benefit of businesses . This allocation is intended to cover, as the case may be, 70% of the gross salary of employees declared over a period of three months, the reimbursement of VAT credits, the exemption from payment of the tax on motor vehicle for those who have not yet paid it for the year 2020 or for its conversion into a tax credit, for the year 2021, for those who have already paid it, for the payment of commercial rents over three months for the benefit of declared travel agencies. It is also intended to take full charge of electricity bills for 3 months for hotels and travel agencies up to 4.1 billion FCFA. http://archive.vn/udl1q https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/708/mesures-sociales-liees-pandemie-coronavirus-benin---pres-74--12-milliards-prevus/ https://archive.vn/wip/RJAWi

to cover 3 months of electricity bills for hotels and travel agencies up to 4.1 billion FCFA (~70m USD) and a subsidy for all citizens on electricity and water tariffs (~97m USD)

As far as can tell, universities and nurseries have yet to reopen http://archive.vn/rW3TM http://archive.vn/wip/G70I6

Cannot find an indication that this limit to gatherings has changed. But with pubs and places of worship having reopened on 2 June, this may indeed be less now.

Screening and quarantine measures remain in place at Benin's borders, especially air borders at the airport. http://archive.vn/wip/pu8jZ

It seems that the income support specifically covers formal sector employees. See: On June 10, the authorities announced a FCFA 74 billion (US$ 124 million) stimulus package to support formal enterprises, craftsmen and small service trades in the informal sector, in addition to the most vulnerable segments of the population. Measures included in the package are expected to cover 70% of the gross salary of all formal sector employees over the period of three months. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Places of worship have bene allowed to open and burial ceremonies are allowed, with restrictions, but measures still in place include the suspension of sporting, political and festive events. See https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/753/coronavirus---rappel-mesures-restriction-toujours-vigueur-benin/

Gatherings of more than 50 people are still not allowed. See: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/753/coronavirus---rappel-mesures-restriction-toujours-vigueur-benin/

Extension of school holidays for pre-school and the first 5 years of primary school remain in place. https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Benin%20-%20Coronavirus%20%28COVID-19%29%20Situation%20Report%20No.%2016.pdf

On 10 August, classes from grade CI to CM1 are resumed. There seems to be no information on university openings, hence still coding at 2G. Link: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/800/coronavirus---reouverture-classes-cm1-ministre-salimane-karimou-echange-avec-acteurs-ecole-directives-gouvernement/

No policy changes detected.

No changes in policy found.

No policy change found.

No policy change found.

Continued public health information. Link: https://www.gouv.bj/actualite/806/rapport-situation-covid-19-benin-date-13-aout-2020/