What's the government response timeline for Burundi?

First advisory (communiqué) was issued with measures to reduce the risk of COVID contamination on 01 Feb. Ministry of health continued to issue covid-19 related communiqués post this. http://minisante.bi/?p=540 However, it seems like it was more of public health officials urging caution rather than a coordinated campaign. A few reports from the ground from between 31 March to 10 April seemed to suggest that this is the case with not many people understanding how the virus spreads. In fact, there have been criticisms of the government's "denial and approach" and "failure to communicate fact-based information on how severe, contagious, and challenging this virus is." Listing it as a 1 for these reasons. https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/03/31/burundi-any-covid-19-cover-will-put-lives-risk https://www.france24.com/en/20200410-burundi-shrugs-off-pandemic-citing-god-s-protection https://allafrica.com/stories/202004030423.html

"Since 5 March, self-financed 14-day quarantine is mandatory for travellers and anyone who has had contact with symptomatic people." It is unclear how and whether this was enforced. Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/burundi/burundi-situation-report-12-jun-2020

5 March: China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Germany, France, Japan, Spain http://minisante.bi/?p=549 12 March: Rest of EU http://minisante.bi/?p=553

On 21 March, the Ministry of Transport, Public Works, Equipment and Homeland Planning announced that all international commercial flights departing or arriving from the Melchior Ndadaye International Airport would be suspended for seven days. Only cargo, medical evacuation, humanitarian, and diplomatic flights are exempt. The notice took effect on March 22, 2020 at 21:59 GMT. This was extended for an additional week on 27 March and then for another 14 days on 4 April https://bi.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ However, it seems like the land borders have not been completely shut down. As on 17 April, people are able to enter from Rwanda, DRC and Tanzania, the 3 countries which landlock Burundi. Hence listing it as a 3. https://www.mesvaccins.net/web/news/15485-suspension-des-liaisons-aeriennes-et-fermeture-des-frontieres-au-burundi-en-raison-de-la-pandemie-de-covid-19

First two people test positive for COVID-19 in Burundi: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/burundi-confirms-first-2-covid-19-cases/1787083 NB Both individuals had returned from abroad, but it is unclear whether this was a necessary criterion to be tested.

Press release specifies that the work of identifying and quarantining the cases that have been in contact with the two patients tested positive for Covid-19 is proceeding http://www.rtnb.bi/fr/art.php?idapi=4/1/50

All Flights were banned as from 4 April: https://www.vidal.fr/actualites/24760/suspension_des_liaisons_aeriennes_et_fermeture_des_frontieres_au_burundi_en_raison_de_la_pandemie_de_covid_19/; Border with Rwand and DRC had been closed as well. The situation with Tanzania is unclear, although a media report suggests that people are either sent back or placed in quarantine when trying to cross: https://www.mesvaccins.net/web/news/15485-suspension-des-liaisons-aeriennes-et-fermeture-des-frontieres-au-burundi-en-raison-de-la-pandemie-de-covid-19. Note that there was a total closure, even for goods between Burundi and rwanda and DRC. This was relaxed on April 14th for cargo trucks: https://www.mediacongo.net/article-actualite-67334_covid_19_le_burundi_rouvre_ses_frontieres.html

'[Burundi] has so far tested around 50 people with symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, or who have been in contact with those known to be sick, according to figures published by the health ministry. Burundi was among the last countries in the world to confirm a case of the virus, with three people testing positive last week.' https://www.france24.com/en/20200410-burundi-shrugs-off-pandemic-citing-god-s-protection

No measures announced. This news article dated 17 April reports that in Bujumbura some operators were encouraging passengers to wash their hands before entering public transport but without official measures, this was becoming harder to enforce: https://www.iwacu-burundi.org/burundi-covid-19-les-usagers-des-bus-se-lavent-de-moins-en-moins-les-mains/

As of 25 April, schools remain open in Burundi according to UNESCO. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

No measures relating to work seem to have been in put in place according to a news report dated 23 april 2020: http://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20200323-burundi-mesures-coronavirus-inquietudes

Ministry of health continues to issue covid-19 related communiqués: http://minisante.bi/?p=644

Burundi has only one laboratory for biomolecular tests needed for both malaria and COVID-19, with a capacity of 200 tests daily https://reliefweb.int/report/burundi/when-health-crises-collide-tackling-malaria-covid-19-and-ebola-burundi

As per reports from 23 April, Burundi is allowing its citizens go on with their daily activities normally. Religious and social events are still allowed and Burundi is set to go ahead with Presidential elections in May 2020. Sources: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3081312/prayer-not-lockdown-these-african-leaders-answer-coronavirus http://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20200323-burundi-mesures-coronavirus-inquietudes

As per reports from 23 April, Burundi is allowing its citizens go on with their daily activities normally. Religious and social events are still allowed and Burundi is set to go ahead with Presidential elections in May 2020. And the Ministry of Health reportedly said that there is no urgency to limit gatherings (source 2 below) Sources: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3081312/prayer-not-lockdown-these-african-leaders-answer-coronavirus http://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20200323-burundi-mesures-coronavirus-inquietudes

As per reports from 23 April, Burundi is allowing its citizens go on with their daily activities normally. Religious and social events are still allowed and Burundi is set to go ahead with Presidential elections in May 2020. Sources: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3081312/prayer-not-lockdown-these-african-leaders-answer-coronavirus http://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20200323-burundi-mesures-coronavirus-inquietudes

Only thirteen cases of COVID-19 have been officially reported as of April 24, 2020, of which four have been cured and one died on April 12, 2020. Given the low number of cases, there have been no significant economic measures put in place. See: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Remain open as of 16/05/2020 according to UNESCO tracker: https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Expulsion of WHO representatives on May 15th 2020 against a backdrop of tensions with Burundian authorities who appear not to be enforcing social distancing measures of any form in Burundi https://news.un.org/fr/story/2020/05/1068802

Electoral Campaigns underway ahead of May 20 election Expulsion of WHO representatives on May 15th 2020 against a backdrop of tensions with Burundian authorities who appear not to be enforcing social distancing measures of any form in Burundi https://news.un.org/fr/story/2020/05/1068802

Electoral Campaigns underway ahead of May 20 election Expulsion of WHO representatives on May 15th 2020 against a backdrop of tensions with Burundian authorities who appear not to be enforcing social distancing measures of any form in Burundi https://news.un.org/fr/story/2020/05/1068802

No Information Expulsion of WHO representatives on May 15th 2020 against a backdrop of tensions with Burundian authorities who appear not to be enforcing social distancing measures of any form in Burundi https://news.un.org/fr/story/2020/05/1068802

Expulsion of WHO representatives on May 15th 2020 against a backdrop of tensions with Burundian authorities who appear not to be enforcing social distancing measures of any form in Burundi https://news.un.org/fr/story/2020/05/1068802

No announcements of re-opening seen except for news of repatriation of burundian nationals from Burundi http://www.rtnb.bi/fr/art.php?idapi=4/1/144

Authorities urge caution but have also not applied preventive measures. regular communiqués issued by ministry of health as of 12 May. http://minisante.bi/?p=657 however, expulsion of WHO on May 15 sends a confusing signal http://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20200514-l-%C3%A9quipe-permanente-l-oms-brusquement-expuls%C3%A9e-burundi

Communiqué of 12 May suggests that suspected cases are being tested http://minisante.bi/?p=657

Communiqué of 12 May suggests that at least some contact tracing is ongoing Communiqué of 12 May suggests that suspected cases are being tested

Remain open as of 28/05/2020 according to UNESCO tracker: https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

authoritarian regime went to polls without enforcing any new measures https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2020/05/30/burundis-rigged-election

authoritarian regime went to polls without enforcing any new measures https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2020/05/30/burundis-rigged-election

authoritarian regime went to polls without enforcing any new measures https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2020/05/30/burundis-rigged-election

authoritarian regime went to polls without enforcing any new measures https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2020/05/30/burundis-rigged-election

authoritarian regime went to polls without enforcing any new measures https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2020/05/30/burundis-rigged-election

No news about reopening the border.

Authorities urge caution but have also not applied preventive measures. regular communiqués had been issued by ministry of health by 12 May. However, they haven't issued communiqués since then as of 28 May. http://minisante.bi/?page_id=3

Communiqué of 12 May suggests that suspected cases are being tested. However, no news update since then http://minisante.bi/?page_id=3

Communiqué of 12 May suggests that at least some contact tracing is ongoing Communiqué of 12 May suggests that suspected cases are being tested. However, no news update since then http://minisante.bi/?page_id=3

As of June 10, following the death of the president on June 9th, news reports indicate that the previous policy line remains unchanges http://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20200610-mort-pierre-nkurunziza-cons%C3%A9quences-burundi

As of June 10, following the death of the president on June 9th, news reports indicate that the previous policy line remains unchanges http://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20200610-mort-pierre-nkurunziza-cons%C3%A9quences-burundi

As of June 10, following the death of the president on June 9th, news reports indicate that the previous policy line remains unchanges http://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20200610-mort-pierre-nkurunziza-cons%C3%A9quences-burundi

As of June 10, following the death of the president on June 9th, news reports indicate that the previous policy line remains unchanges http://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20200610-mort-pierre-nkurunziza-cons%C3%A9quences-burundi

As of June 10, following the death of the president on June 9th, news reports indicate that the previous policy line remains unchanges http://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20200610-mort-pierre-nkurunziza-cons%C3%A9quences-burundi

As of June 10, following the death of the president on June 9th, news reports indicate that the previous policy line remains unchanges http://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20200610-mort-pierre-nkurunziza-cons%C3%A9quences-burundi

no news about reopening

As of June 10, following the death of the president on June 9th, news reports indicate that the previous policy line remains unchanges http://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20200610-mort-pierre-nkurunziza-cons%C3%A9quences-burundi

As of June 10, following the death of the president on June 9th, news reports indicate that the previous policy line remains unchanges http://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20200610-mort-pierre-nkurunziza-cons%C3%A9quences-burundi

Government through ministry of health is giving regular updates although message is that not many measures are needed other than stepping up hygiene http://minisante.bi/?p=663

According to latest update - at least some tests are being conducted http://minisante.bi/?p=663

At least some contact tracing occuring according to latest update http://minisante.bi/?p=663

According to a 22 June update, A 14-day quarantine measure for all persons who have transited through countries where covid-19 cases are reported. International travel seems banned but land travel appears possible: "On 3 April, the Ministry of Transport extended the suspension of international flights for an additional two weeks, but with the exception of cargo, medical evacuation, humanitarian and diplomatic flights. The MoPH continues to carry out checks at the country's points of entry, including measuring the temperature of travellers and collecting travel history, in order to detect suspicious cases at the land borders with the DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania and at Bujumbura's Ndadaye Melchior International Airport." https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Flash%20Update%20-%20Burundi%20%20-%2012%20Jun%202020%20%281%29.pdf

Regular updates from the Ministry of health http://minisante.bi/

According to daily updates, tests are being done http://minisante.bi/

daily updates report on contact tracing but it is unclear to what extent it is comprehensive and systematic http://minisante.bi/

"Burundi refused to follow most other African nations in imposing a lockdown and expelled the World Health Organization’s expert team working on coronavirus." Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/09/burundi-president-dies-illness-suspected-coronavirus-pierre-nkurunziz

"All international passenger flights were suspended on 22 March. Humanitarian aid, diplomatic and emergency medical flights are exempt from this suspension measure. The land borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda were reopened on 15 April to allow the movement of goods. The border with Tanzania has remained open for the movement of goods and for the return of Burundians." Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/burundi/burundi-situation-report-12-jun-2020

Would not say that the information 'campaign' by the government is a coordinated information campaign. There are regular press releases, but the press releases only 'urge caution' and state the number of people cured from COVID in that week.

No major changes.

There definitely exists contact tracing, but the extent is not comprehensive - there are no extra measures being taken to be comprehensive. It just says that there were cases in the hospital, and that their contacts were tested. Source: http://minisante.bi/wp-content/uploads/attachment-3.pdf

A 'mass screening' campaign was launched in the capital, though it is unclear what the parameters of this campaign are. Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/burundi-starts-taking-covid-19-seriously-begins-screening/2020/07/06/efa90312-bfb4-11ea-8908-68a2b9eae9e0_story.html

[uncertain, but its best evidence I could find]"Burundi has not implemented widespread lockdown or social distancing measures.", see Intelyse website update as at 3 August, 2020, archived: https://intelyse.com/coronavirus-travel-restrictions/

International flight now resumed from 1 Aug 2020, see "travelbans.org" website, archived: https://travelbans.org/africa/burundi/

No new policy found

No new policy found

No new policy found

No new policy found

No new policy found

No new policy found

No new policy found

"If you’re eligible for entry, you will be required to quarantine for 14 days in a designated hotel, or subject to Government permission to self-isolate at home, unless you present proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to arrival." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/burundi

Government officials are currently keeping this under consideration https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Government officials are currently keeping this under consideration https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"Measures taken to minimize the risk of the pandemic breaking out in Burundi have been very limited: The population has been instructed to follow some basic rules of limited social distancing and frequent handwashing. Hand sanitizers and water for handwashing have been installed in public places" https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

No policy change

No policy change