What's the government response timeline for Gabon?

The first report of coronavirus appeared on the Gabonese governments website was published on 22 January 2020. Regular press releases appear as available pdfs on Ministry of Health website since then. http://www.gouvernement.ga/5-conseil-des-ministres/3638-annee-2020/3639-une-epidemie-dune-nouvelle-souche-de-virus-appartenant-a-la-famille-des-coronavirus/

"However, in view of the spread of this epidemic beyond the epicenter, the Government has decided to raise the level of surveillance and to suspend, until further notice, access to the national territory for any passenger coming from from China" [ http://www.gouvernement.ga/3467-gouvernement/3657-communique-du-gouvernement-relatif-aux-mesures-de-vigilance-sanitaire-aux-aeroports-et-ports/]

"- Restriction of non-essential missions abroad for members of the government and agents of the state; - Restricting travel to or from countries identified as being at high risk of contamination. For nationals and residents with symptoms of the disease in from these countries, a 14-day quarantine measure will be automatically applied; - The intensification of awareness campaigns towards the populations on COVID-19. In addition to the measures just listed, the Government strongly recommends: The postponement to a later date of all international events planned in Gabon;" http://www.gouvernement.ga/5-conseil-des-ministres/3638-annee-2020/3670-communique-du-gouvernement-a-l-issue-du-conseil-presidentiel-sur-l-epidemie-de-covid-19-qui-s-est-tenu-ce-samedi-7-mars-2020-/

The first coronavirus cases were reported in the media on 10 March 2020. Media continues to report on cases and subsequent measures taken by government to prevent the spread, however not in a coordinated way or using effective social media by government. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-ghana-gabon/ghana-gabon-confirm-first-cases-of-coronavirus-idUSKBN20Z3X9 https://www.iata.org/contentassets/a0a7300207674d3193c2538574da9362/gabon-ncov-measures.pdf

According to UNICEF situation overview Gabon has been testing symptomatic patients since March 12th. However, as of April 24 testing scope broaden to general availability albeit lagging in results. https://reliefweb.int/report/gabon/unicef-gabon-covid-19-situation-report-02-reporting-period-15-30-april

An announcement of measures by President Ali Bongo on 13 March included banning of all gatherings of more than 50 people and the suspension of national sporting and public cultural events. https://gabonactu.com/coronavirus-declaration-tres-dure-du-gabon-pour-eviter-la-propagation-du-virus/

An announcement of measures by President Ali Bongo on 13 March included banning of all gatherings of more than 50 people and the suspension of national sporting and public cultural events. https://gabonactu.com/coronavirus-declaration-tres-dure-du-gabon-pour-eviter-la-propagation-du-virus/

From 13 April: Gabon on Friday adopted measures to combat the new coronavirus, including the closure of schools for two weeks and a halt to the granting of tourist visas for areas affected by the pandemic.The granting of tourist visas is suspended “from the most infected areas, namely the European Union, China, South Korea and the United States,” the statement said. https://www.africanews.com/2020/03/14/covid-19-gabon-shuts-stops-issuing-tourist-visas-to-citizens-of-hardest-hit//

The population is advised to only embark on essential travels. https://www.gabonmediatime.com/gabon-coronavirus-le-gouvernement-deconseille-les-transports-en-commun-sauf-urgence/

"Gabon on Friday adopted measures to combat the new coronavirus, including the closure of schools for two weeks and a halt to the granting of tourist visas for areas affected by the pandemic. [...] “In order to anticipate any epidemic in our country and to protect our populations,” the Gabonese government explained in a statement issued on Friday evening, all schools will be closed until 30 March, gatherings of more than 50 people are banned and bars and nightclubs are closed “until further notice”." https://www.africanews.com/2020/03/14/covid-19-gabon-shuts-stops-issuing-tourist-visas-to-citizens-of-hardest-hit//

"The closure of pre-primary, primary, professional and University establishments" http://www.gabonactu.com/declaration-integrale-sur-la-fermeture-des-frontieres-au-gabon/

Some businesses (e.g. motels, clubs, bars) closed, some nonessential (e.g. hair salons) restricted to one customer at a time but allowed to remain open, others exempt from customer limits but asked to keep 1m between people (e.g. grocery stores) http://www.gabonactu.com/declaration-integrale-sur-la-fermeture-des-frontieres-au-gabon/

All public events to be cancelled and all the gatherings to be restricted to under 10 people. http://www.gabonactu.com/declaration-integrale-sur-la-fermeture-des-frontieres-au-gabon/

Government announced measures restricting all the public and private gatherings to not more than 10 people. http://www.gabonactu.com/declaration-integrale-sur-la-fermeture-des-frontieres-au-gabon/

"There is a limit of three persons in private vehicles.??For public transport, there is a maximum of nine passengers in 18-seat taxi buses, three passengers in taxis, and 10 passengers in buses with 30 seats.??Public transport drivers must wear gloves and masks and must be in possession of disinfectant products.??Passengers must disinfect their hands upon entering the vehicle." "A ban on all passenger trains except for freight trains and trains carrying petroleum products may continue to operate." https://ga.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/coronavirus-update/

"Closure of all land, sea, and air borders, except for freight shipments." https://ga.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/coronavirus-update/

On March 20 and 21, the Gabonese government announced a number of new measures aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. These measures include a countrywide curfew. https://ga.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

"On March 29, the Gabonese government announced that schools will remain closed until further notice." https://ga.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/coronavirus-update/

"Dr. Guy Patrick Obiang Ndong announced that from Monday, March 30, health personnel will screen all contact cases." https://www.gabonreview.com/gabon-tous-les-cas-contacts-seront-depistes-au-covid-19/

"Unemployment benefit of between 50% and 70% of previous income. Low income (between 80.000CFA and 150.000CFA) will be maintained." https://www.macrotopic.com/HTML/gov_measures/covid19_goverment_measures_GAB.html

The government is drafting legislation to adjust spending plans. OPEC’s second-smallest member secured $147 million from the International Monetary Fund on Friday to support its efforts to contain the virus and the economic damage it causes. President Ali Bongo Ondimba said an "exceptional massive aid" package of FCFA 250 billion ($415 million) had been set up to help both individuals and businesses who have been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. He said the state will inject FCFA 225 million will be used to help companies while FCFA 6 billion ($10 million) will be dedicated to monthly payment of electricity and water bills for the "most fragile and economically weak" Gabonese. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-11/gabon-declares-state-of-emergency-over-covid-19-revises-outlook

On April 10, authorities announced the implementation of a 15-day lockdown in the capital Libreville, and the nearby communes of Owendo, Akanda, Ntoum, and Pointe Denis as of Monday, April 13. As such, residents are only permitted to leave their homes for limited reasons, such as obtaining essential goods or seeking healthcare. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/332106/gabon-authorities-implement-15-day-lockdown-in-libreville-april-13-update-5

On April 10, authorities announced the implementation of a 15-day lockdown in the capital Libreville, and the nearby communes of Owendo, Akanda, Ntoum, and Pointe Denis as of Monday, April 13. Individuals are not allowed to leave the lockdown regions. Further travel within the Grande Libreville area and across Gabon has been restricted. Sources: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/332106/gabon-authorities-implement-15-day-lockdown-in-libreville-april-13-update-5 https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus

On April 10, the Gabonese government announced a 15-day period of confinement for Libreville, Owendo, Akanda, Ntoum, and Pointe Dénis. The period of confinement began at midnight on April 12 and may be extended as necessary. All U.S. citizens who reside in the areas listed should prepare to remain at home for an extended period. As of April 15, individuals in all parts of the country are required to wear masks in public to limit the spread of COVID-19. During the period of confinement, residents may leave their homes only to perform necessary tasks such as securing food, water, or medicine or if their job involves performing a service that the government has deemed essential. Individuals should remain in their own communes when they leave their homes to procure essential goods. Supermarkets, stores that sell food, and pharmacies will remain open. Persons who must leave their homes to provide essential services must obtain a laissez-passer from the Ministry of Interior. Law enforcement and military officials will monitor compliance with the confinement measures. https://ga.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/coronavirus-update/

Gatherings of more than 10 people have been banned. The wearing of masks in public areas is obligatory. the Gabonese government announced a 15-day period of confinement for Libreville, Owendo, Akanda, Ntoum, and Pointe Dénis https://ga.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/coronavirus-update/ https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus

For 15 days, visits to relatives and friends have been suspended, as are birthdays and religious celebrations. According to the UK Home Office, gatherings of more than 10 people are banned. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/staying-during-coronavirus https://www.africanews.com/2020/04/14/covid-19-gabon-begins-lockdown//

On Monday 13 April Gabon has extended its lock-down from specific cities to nationwide. https://www.africanews.com/2020/04/14/covid-19-gabon-begins-lockdown//

According to UNICEF situation overview Gabon has been testing symptomatic patients since March 12th. However, as of April 24 testing scope broaden to general availability albeit lagging in results. https://reliefweb.int/report/gabon/unicef-gabon-covid-19-situation-report-02-reporting-period-15-30-april

"On April 27, the Gabonese government announced the following modifications to previously enacted confinement measures: - Companies should continue to encourage telework for employees but may gradually return to business and administrative activities. Work hours must be limited to 7:30 am to 2:00 pm. Health control devices such as thermoflash devices, hand sanitizer, and masks must be placed at company and administrative office entrances. - Small businesses such as hair salons, garages, tire repair ships, and artisan workshops may begin to reopen subject to social distancing measures such as reductions in the numbers of staff and clients, the presence of disinfectants, and the wearing of masks. - Other commercial enterprises such as hardware stores, building and construction entities, and retailers of office supplies, furniture, and appliances, will gradually reopen with social distancing measures in place. - Bars, restaurants, and hotels will remain closed until further notice." https://ga.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Lockdown extended in Libreville (was meant to end on April 27th). https://www.gabonmediatime.com/covid-19-le-confinement-du-grand-libreville-maintenu-dans-sa-forme-actuelle/

Relief as some non-essential businesses reopen: https://www.africanews.com/2020/05/02/relief-as-gabon-relaxes-covid-19-lockdown-on-capital-suburbs/

"There is no change in the restriction’s measures since May the 11th when the Government ended the State of Emergency and relaxed some of the lockdown constraints while maintaining and enforcing strict social distancing guidelines with compulsory mask wearing along all the other prevention actions, school shutdown and the ban of commercial flights and interprovincial traveling. However, With the lockdown relaxed in greater Libreville area, compliance with rules on social distancing and use of facemasks is inadequate." https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/UNICEF%20Gabon%20COVID-19%20Situation%20Report%20%E2%80%93%20%2304%20Reporting%20period%20-%2017-28%20May%202020.pdf Still a 6pm-6am nationwide curfew. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/staying-during-coronavirus

The State of Emergency will be lifted from midnight on 11 May. Restrictions on travel within the Grande Libreville area have been lifted. Travel outside Libreville to inland Gabon remains restricted.

Start of publishing Facebook videos/graphics to spread awareness of health measures to take. https://www.facebook.com/PresidenceGabon/videos/272794397185865/

no gatherings of more than 10 people. According to UK FCO travel advice.

According to UK FCO, restrictions on travel within the Grande Libreville area have been lifted since May 11 however, travel outside Libreville to inland Gabon remains restricted. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/staying-during-coronavirus

According to UK FCO - schools opened on June 15th. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/staying-during-coronavirus

From 1 July, Commercial air travel were allowed to resume. Two international flights per airline per week will be permitted. Although Gabon’s land and sea borders remain closed to travelers, travel by air, boat, and train within Gabon may resume. https://www.osac.gov/Country/Gabon/Content/Detail/Report/32b12479-5bf5-4224-adf1-190ebb9037cd

No change. Markets have reopened as normal. Restaurants with a terrace are also allowed to reopen. Bars remain closed. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus

Gatherings of more than 10 people are still banned. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus

Gatherings of more than 10 people are still banned. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus

No change. Restrictions on travel within the Grande Libreville area have been lifted. Travel outside Libreville to inland Gabon remains restricted. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus

From 1 July, Commercial air travel were allowed to resume. Two international flights per airline per week will be permitted. Although Gabon’s land and sea borders remain closed to travelers, travel by air, boat, and train within Gabon may resume. https://www.osac.gov/Country/Gabon/Content/Detail/Report/32b12479-5bf5-4224-adf1-190ebb9037cd

No change in policy. Link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus

No change in policy. Link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus

No change in policy. Link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus

No change in policy. Link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus

No change in policy. Link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus

No change. Link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus

No change in policy. Link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gabon/coronavirus

Continued public health campaign on social media. Link: https://www.facebook.com/Covid19GOUVGA/

Testing is still being carried out. Link: https://www.facebook.com/Covid19GOUVGA/