What's the government response timeline for Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Ebola screening infrastructure at four airports (including Kinshasa), three ports and three strategic border crossings is converteed to screen for coronavirus. https://www.afro.who.int/photo-story/how-ebola-helping-democratic-republic-congo-prepare-coronavirus-disease

" https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/drc-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html" https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/drc-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html

Traveleres from "high risk" areas, including Italy, France, China, and Geremany must quarantine for 14 days (no symptoms) or in an isolation site (with symptoms). https://www.africanews.com/2020/03/07/drc-to-quarantine-chinese-travellers-trio-from-coronavirus-hit-europe//

Government announces first coronavirus case, Health Minister urges caution - hand washing and staying one meter apart from other people. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-congo/democratic-republic-of-congo-confirms-first-coronavirus-case-idUSKBN20X20F https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-congo/democratic-republic-of-congo-confirms-first-coronavirus-case-idUSKBN20X20F

First case tested and confirmed https://www.afro.who.int/news/first-case-covid-19-confirmed-democratic-republic-congo

Based on reported confirmed cases, seems to be only symptomatic and eligible (have gone to hospital, recently returned from travel or came into contact with an infected person).

Reports from government ministers that contact tracing is in place for a positive case (Belgian citizen) in Kinshasa. https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/DR-Congo-confirms-first-coronavirus-case/688334-5486440-v42nor/

Ordered to "systematically subject people leaving Kinshasa to the various Provinces of our country to control measures in order to avoid the spread of this pandemic to the rest of our country" starting March 18th." https://afrique.lalibre.be/47921/rdc-le-gouvernement-arrete-des-mesures-contre-le-coronavirus/ ; All visits to prisons throughout the country restricted until further notice https://laprosperite.online/index.php/nation/4584-covid-19-rdc-tunda-ya-kasende-interdit-toute-visite-aux-detenus-dans-les-maisons-carcerales

Schools, universities, private, and higher education institutes closed for four weeks from March 19th: https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/scienceandhealth/Africa-coronavirus-cases-to-rise-as-some-undetected/3073694-5498212-o7o1n3z/index.html ; https://afrique.lalibre.be/47921/rdc-le-gouvernement-arrete-des-mesures-contre-le-coronavirus/

In Kinshasa: Discos, bars, cafes, terraces, and restaurants closed until further notice; fewer numbers of itinerant traders reported as well. https://afrique.lalibre.be/47921/rdc-le-gouvernement-arrete-des-mesures-contre-le-coronavirus/ ; https://www.afrik.com/coronavirus-en-rdc-temoignage-d-un-etudiant-depuis-kinshasa

All public gatherings Nationwide to be suspended or cancelled http://archive.fo/DUW7x

WHO Congo starts social media campaign in Congo, informing on ways to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spread; https://kivupress.com/fr/11608-la-communication-comme-principale-arme-de-lutte

From March 20th until further notice, the suspension of all flights from countries at risk and from transit countries. Only planes and cargo ships and other means of freight transport will be authorized to enter the national territory and their personnel subject to control; Travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo of all passengers residing in countries at risk postponed until further notice. Border with Angola closed as of March 20th https://afrique.lalibre.be/47921/rdc-le-gouvernement-arrete-des-mesures-contre-le-coronavirus/ ; https://actualite.cd/2020/03/21/coronavirus-la-rdc-passe-23-cas-dont-un-premier-deces-dr-eteni-longondo ; https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/uganda-borders-closed-to-keep-coronavirus-out/1774609; https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/aa/en/breaking-news/updates-and-health-advisory-on-the-covid-19-virus

In Kinshasa; Sale of anything other than food at markets suspended until further notice https://laprosperite.online/index.php/nation/4583-transport-marches-frontieres-kinshasa-les-mesures-preventives-du-gouvernement-face-au-coronavirus

All government ministers ordered to be tested for coronavirus. https://afrique.lalibre.be/48029/rdcongo-premier-deces-du-au-coronavirus-a-kinshasa/

The number of people on public transport in Kinshasa will be 'limited' as of March 22nd to Bus Transco (20), taxi (3), Esprit de vie (16), tricycle (2), motorcycle (1) : https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/DR-Congo-reports-first-virus-death-five-new-cases/688334-5499440-e405e4/

In Haut-Katanga province (including Lubumbashi), total shutdown means many workplaces closed for 48 hours. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/africa/coronavirus-dr-congo-city-locks-down-as-more-african-nations-report-deaths

Virunga National Park closed from March 23rd to June 1st. https://virunga.org/news/virunga-national-park-temporarily-closes-mountain-gorilla-tourism-due-to-covid-19 ; Haut-Katanga province decrees a total confinement for 48 hours starting March 23rd to search for passangers on a flight which may have had corona exposure as well as any subsequent indirect contacts. https://kivupress.com/11657-covid-19-le-haut-katanga-decrete-un-confinement-total-de-48-heures/

Border with Uganda closed as of March 23rd. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/uganda-borders-closed-to-keep-coronavirus-out/1774609

APO group (leading pan-African communications firm) begins distributing coronavirus information throughout the continent free of charge in English, French, Portuguese and Arabic, including in COD. https://fr.africanews.com/2020/03/23/coronavirus-apo-group-soutient-les-gouvernements-africains-dans-la-lutte-contre-le-covid-19/

Kinshasa stills sees closure of businesses like bars, clubs, and restaurants. https://afrique.lalibre.be/47921/rdc-le-gouvernement-arrete-des-mesures-contre-le-coronavirus/ ; https://www.afrik.com/coronavirus-en-rdc-temoignage-d-un-etudiant-depuis-kinshasa

Public gatherings of more than 20 people are prohibited http://archive.fo/wip/8bTUK

Public transport to/from Kinshasa banned. Bus & taxi passenger capacity limited for travel within Kinshasa. https://www.barrons.com/news/dr-congo-declares-state-of-emergency-isolates-capital-over-virus-01585084508

A ban issued on travel between Kinshasa and all 25 provinces. http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2020-03/27/content_75866594.htm

Borders closed to all non-essential travel. http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2020-03/27/content_75866594.htm

National information and awareness site launched https://www.numerique.cd/index.php?page=accueil

Kinshasa is ordered into complete lockdown for three weeks taking effect March 28th then following an interval pattern of complete lockdown with two days of movement allowed. For instance, ban will be lifted temporarily April 1 -2 to allow for walks and shopping. Exemptions for healthcare and other essential services throughout. However, complete ban suspended at the last minute in response to price hikes in Kinshasa. http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2020-03/27/content_75866594.htm https://www.africanews.com/2020/03/28/price-hike-forces-dr-congo-to-suspend-kinshasa-lockdown// https://newsghana.com.gh/dr-congo-capital-issues-stay-at-home-order-amid-coronavirus-outbreak/

Although Governor Gentiny Ngobila of Kinshasa decreed an intermittent total confinement of 3 weeks which will take effect from Saturday March 28, 2020, this lockdown measure was later rescinded and did not go into effect. Original source: http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2020-03/27/content_75866594.htm; Source on lockdown not going into effect: https://cd.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-kinshasa-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-5/

Loudspeaker announcements in place reminding citizens to respect 1-2m distance and wash hands in place at public places, like supermarkets, in Kinshasa. However, concentrated only in wealthier areas of the city. https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2020/03/28/coronavirus-tour-d-une-afrique-qui-se-barricade_6034756_3212.html

"For the next two months, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is to supply water and electricity free of charge to its citizens," including households and small enterprises. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/covid-19-dr-congo-pledges-free-water-electricity/1787570

The Congolese government has already taken steps to stop the spread of the virus, including restricting all forms of internal and international travel except for cargo; banning large gatherings; closing bars, restaurants, places of worship and schools; and shutting down borders." Source: https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/04/03/dr-congo-respecting-rights-key-amid-covid-19

Lack of cohesive framework may relate to inability to test: Reported that only 80 people can be tested per day in Kinshasa, where the majority of cases are located. https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/04/03/dr-congo-respecting-rights-key-amid-covid-19#

La Gombe neighborhood in Kinshasa and city of Goma placed under a 14-day lockdown. Circulation even *within* the district is only allowed for a number of different groups ("the presidential task force, the medical personnel, the members of the technical secretariat of the response, the central and technical services of the banks, operators telecommunications for the maintenance and operation of their agencies open in other health areas of the city, essential public administration, essential staff of pharmacies, Internet providers; cable distribution company, security companies, home food delivery companies, the agro-food industries, industries specializing in the production of detergents, technical service agents from SNEL and Régideso, health agents, Kinshasa Bopeto, the press, construction site staff (...), using a badge issued by the town hall. Sick people and pregnant women who have to go to the hospital are also allowed to circulate there."). Since this is clearly not a full lockdown given the high number of exceptions, I rate this as 2T. https://cd.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-kinshasa-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-9/; https://www.stopcoronavirusrdc.info/mesures-de-protection-contre-le-coronavirus (see "Order from April 2"); https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-congo-family/twenty-three-floors-up-seven-siblings-endure-lockdown-in-congo-idUSKBN2221JX

Lockdown for Gombe district to control the spread of COVID (no mention of a stay at home order, just limits the movement into or out of Gombe) https://archive.vn/wip/mbeg2

Lockdown extended for Gombe region, Butembi and Beni https://archive.vn/wip/XyNph

By April 15, "granting of grace periods on loan repayments, taking into the situation caused by the Coronavirus" documented by KPMG. https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/drc-government-and-institution-meadrcsures-in-response-to-covid.html

State of emergency extended an additional 30 days https://www.nation.co.ke/news/africa/1066-5527948-ik65el/

State of emergency extended an additional 30 days

Dating back to March 19, public events and gatherings across DRC have been cancelled. There is no information to date suggesting that this has been reversed. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/324476/drc-government-orders-some-flight-suspensions-due-to-covid-19-from-march-20-update-1

some ease of restrictions for the Gombe lockdown- some banks and supermarkets reopening, but the social distancing and traffic movments seem to be unchanged https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/335646/drc-authorities-ease-lockdown-restrictions-in-gombe-district-april-22-update-10

Democratic Republic of Congo imposed a 24-hour lockdown on the mining hub of Lubumbashi. https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-congo-mining/dr-congo-locks-down-mining-city-and-zambia-border-town-idINL5N2CG591

Free water and electricity, ban on evictions still in place until June. https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/drc-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html

Schools remain closed

with the ease of lockdowns in some regions, some businesses have been able to re-open with strict guidlines

No mention of easing public events being allowed

Cannot find enough information to indicate that public transit has been reopened accross the country, or even regions

with the easing of some curfews and lockdowns http://archive.fo/zgQ4Y

Some regions remain under curfew, other regions, such as Gombe have been relaxed in curfews and lockdown. http://archive.fo/zgQ4Y

The borders remain closed with the exception of a partial border opening to pedestrian Zambians from May 8th. http://archive.fo/wip/mdQGw

State of emergency still extended from April 17 for 30 days. May 8 article mentions continued school closure. https://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/controversial-communication-around-covid-19-drc

State of emergency still extended from April 17 for 30 days. May 8 article mentions continued closure of bars, restaurants, etc. Supermarkets and some targeted businesses allowed to reopen. https://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/controversial-communication-around-covid-19-drc https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/340461/drc-border-crossing-with-zambia-partially-reopened-for-pedestrians-from-may-8-update-13

No mention of lifting public even ban. May 8 article mentions continued ban on public events, including church services. https://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/controversial-communication-around-covid-19-drc

"gatherings of more than 20 people in public places, including religious ceremonies and sporting activities, are banned" as of UK gov website on May 16. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/staying-during-coronavirus

"Restrictions have been placed on the number of people per vehicle for public transport." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/staying-during-coronavirus

Some curfews remain in place. Face masks required. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/340461/drc-border-crossing-with-zambia-partially-reopened-for-pedestrians-from-may-8-update-13

Still closed except for partial pedestrian border with Zambia. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/340461/drc-border-crossing-with-zambia-partially-reopened-for-pedestrians-from-may-8-update-13

On May 22 2020, the government prolonged the state of health emergency for an additional 15 days. The government bill was adopted in both the National Assembly and Senate. This is the 3rd prolongation of the state of emergency since it was announced on March 24 2020. The 2nd prolongation of the state of emergency was set to expire on May 23 2020. (News sources in French) https://www.radiookapi.net/2020/05/22/actualite/sante/rdc-lassemblee-nationale-vote-une-nouvelle-prorogation-de-letat-durgence https://www.politico.cd/la-rdc-a-la-une/2020/05/22/rdc-3e-prorogation-de-letat-durgence-sanitaire.html/61431/

On 26 May 2020, a mass testing centre was opened in the Martyrs stadium in Kinshasa. Testing will be carried out free of charge and voluntarily by the inhabitants of Kinshasa, epicentre of the pandemic. Those asking to be tested need to call in advance to discuss their symptoms. In French: https://www.politico.cd/encontinu/2020/05/28/covid-19-a-kinshasa-lancement-dun-centre-de-depistage-massif-au-stade-des-martyrs.html/61975/

As of 6 April lockdown in Gombe district is still in place https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/staying-during-coronavirus

gatherings of more than 20 people in public places, including religious ceremonies and sporting activities, are banned https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/staying-during-coronavirus

"Restrictions have been placed on the number of people per vehicle for public transport." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/staying-during-coronavirus social enterprises such as bars and night clubs are closed. Restrictions have been placed on the number of people per vehicle for public transport. Public health measures can change at short notice and you should monitor local media for the latest developments

As of 6 April lockdown in Gombe district is still in place https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/staying-during-coronavirus social enterprises such as bars and night clubs are closed. Restrictions have been placed on the number of people per vehicle for public transport. Public health measures can change at short notice and you should monitor local media for the latest developments

The main 'down-town' area of Kinshasa (Gombe) will open up as of 29 June 2020. This means that the following are now open again: stores, banks, public establishments and services, public administrations, public enterprises and commercial companies, industries, restaurants and cafes. The main outdoor market and neighbouring shops, universities, higher institutes and schools and bars remain closed. https://www.primature.cd/public/2020/06/24/gombe-a-kinshasa-deconfinement-progressif-des-ce-lundi-29-juin-2020/

The parliament voted on July 06, 2020 in favour of the 6th extension of the state of health emergency in the DRC - this would extend the state of health emergency for an additional 15 days. This state of emergency has been in place since March 24th. Schools remain closed and only distance learning is happening. https://www.politico.cd/grand-angle/2020/07/08/lecole-a-lheure-de-la-covid-19-la-reprise-des-enseignements-cest-pour-aujourdhui-appelle-pascal-mpia-mena-zambili.html/64348/ https://www.politico.cd/la-rdc-a-la-une/2020/07/06/assemblee-nationale-la-pleniere-adopte-la-6eme-prorogation-de-letat-durgence.html/64249/ https://www.politico.cd/la-rdc-a-la-une/2020/07/06/prorogation-de-letat-durgence-sanitaire-tunda-ya-kasende-empeche-son-adjoint-bernard-takahishe-defend-le-projet-de-loi.html/64243/

No change in policy - border closure remains in place for all international passengers with the exception of repatriation of Congolese nationals and foreigners in DRC who wish to leave. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

State of emergency is still in place. Schools and universities remain closed (no change) https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

State of emergency is still in place. Sporting events and gatherings larger than 20 people are banned, bars and restaurants are closed until further notice. Non-food stores in Kinshasa were ordered closed. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

State of emergency is still in place. Sporting events and gatherings larger than 20 people are banned, bars and restaurants are closed until further notice. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

State of emergency is still in place. Sporting events and gatherings larger than 20 people are banned, bars and restaurants are closed until further notice. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

State of emergency is still in place. All domestic passenger flights between Kinshasa and the provinces remain suspended. All road and river transport between Kinshasa and the provinces remain suspended for passenger traffic. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

State of emergency is still in place. Suspension of international passenger flights remains in place. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

In accordance with the lifting of the state of emergency, schools and universities are set to re-open on August 3. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

As of 22 July 2020 there is a gradual easing of the lockdown in the DRC. All shops, bars, cafes, banks, restaurants and businesses are allowed to reopen, public transport can resume and large gatherings are permitted. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ https://sante.cd/2020/07/21/rdc-ce-quil-faut-savoir-sur-les-mesures-levees-de-letat-durgence/

The President announced that the state of emergency that had been in effect since March 24 due to COVID-19 ended on July 22nd. With the lifting of the state of emergency, as of 22 July large gatherings as are social gatherings, events and meetings. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ https://sante.cd/2020/07/21/rdc-ce-quil-faut-savoir-sur-les-mesures-levees-de-letat-durgence/ https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200722-drc-president-signals-end-of-covid-19-health-emergency-urges-continued-caution https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/362081/drc-authorities-lift-covid-19-state-of-emergency-july-22-update-19

With the lifting of the state of emergency, as of July 22nd there is resumption of public transport. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ https://sante.cd/2020/07/21/rdc-ce-quil-faut-savoir-sur-les-mesures-levees-de-letat-durgence/

With the lifting of the emergency measures people can move freely. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ https://sante.cd/2020/07/21/rdc-ce-quil-faut-savoir-sur-les-mesures-levees-de-letat-durgence/

In accordance with the lifting of the state of emergency, airports, ports and borders will reopen on August 15th. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Directives in place for the reopening of schools in the DRC include anyone with Covid-19 like symptoms to stay at home, maintaining 1.5 meters distance, the need for the wearing of masks in case of symptoms or when social distancing is not possible. https://sante.cd/2020/07/28/back-to-school/

The government of the DRC had announced it will slowly relax the health-related State of Emergency that was put in place March 24 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Schools and universities were scheduled to reopen on August 3 however new announcement has pushed the date of the reopening back by a week to August 10. https://www.radiookapi.net/2020/08/01/actualite/societe/rdc-la-rentree-scolaire-renvoyee-au-lundi-10-aout-2020

Night clubs, stadiums and entertainment venues will resume business as from 15 August. As of 22 July 2020 there is a gradual easing of the lockdown in the DRC. All shops, bars, cafes, banks, restaurants and businesses were allowed to reopen already on 22 July 2020. https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200722-drc-president-signals-end-of-covid-19-health-emergency-urges-continued-caution

DRC has suspended all international passenger flights until further notice. All domestic passenger flights between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended. All road and river transport between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended for passenger traffic. Goods transport will continue with control checkpoints at Kinshasa city limits. Only cargo flights and boats will be permitted entry. In theory on 15 August, people in DRC will then be able to move freely across provincial borders. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

DRC has suspended all international passenger flights until further notice. All domestic passenger flights between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended. All road and river transport between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended for passenger traffic. Goods transport will continue with control checkpoints at Kinshasa city limits. Only cargo flights and boats will be permitted entry. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

"Restrictions have been placed on the number of people per vehicle for public transport." http://archive.fo/Z1HN0

"Travellers moving from one province to another must present a negative coronavirus test result. The test result date must fall within 3 days before the date you intend to leave the province." http://archive.fo/Z1HN0

"Schools and universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo reopened on Monday after more than four months of suspension amid the coronavirus pandemic. President Felix Tshisekedi visited some of the schools in the capital Kinshasa, where he congratulated and thanked the Education Ministry for their efforts to ensure the reopening of schools that were closed in March due to the coronavirus." http://archive.fo/GeT3V

Night clubs, stadiums and entertainment venues will resume business as from 15 August. https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200722-drc-president-signals-end-of-covid-19-health-emergency-urges-continued-caution

Domestic commercial flights resumed on August 15. Travellers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test for domestic travel from Kinshasa. Travellers from other cities may be required to present a negative test result. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

"The Democratic Republic of Congo has reopened its airspace after been closed for nearly five months due to the Coronavirus pandemic. It received its first commercial passenger flight on Saturday." All passengers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test from within 72 hours of departure upon arrival. Any travellers permitted entry to DRC are required to quarantine at a Government-nominated hotel for 14 days. Upon arrival, travellers must follow safety protocols at all DRC airports which include: use of masks, temperature checks, social distancing, use of disinfectant, and the completion of health information forms. https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ http://archive.fo/vvySD