What's the government response timeline for Gambia?

"To boost The Gambia’s preparedness, UN The Gambia (through WHO) and Ministry of Health convened a press briefing today to update journalists on efforts to protect the country from the virus." Ministry of Health website is also publishing updates. Link: http://www.moh.gov.gm/the-coronavirus-continues-to-spread-across-borders/ Link to Updates: http://www.moh.gov.gm/covid-19-report/

Ministry of Health and State Facebook pages begin sharing information including daily situation reports, WHO prevention information, etc. https://www.facebook.com/WHO/photos/a.167668209945237/2946038618774835/?type=3&theater=

On 18 March, the President announced the closure of all schools for three weeks. https://www.news18.com/news/world/public-gatherings-banned-schools-closed-in-gambia-as-1st-coronavirus-case-detected-2540585.html

All public gatherings supended https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/324046/gambia-authorities-confirm-first-case-of-covid-19-march-17

As of March 18, 2020 The Gambian Government restricted public gathering, recommended reduction of work to essential services, recommended reduced transportation activities. Then state of emergency closed non-essential businesses. However, there is no lockdown or direct restriction for the public to move inside the country other than gatherings themselves : https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/324046/gambia-authorities-confirm-first-case-of-covid-19-march-17 State of Emergency declared on March 27, 2020 https://www.freedomnewspaper.com/2020/03/27/barrow-declares-a-state-of-emergency-amid-corona-infection-cases-in-the-gambia/

As of March 18, 2020 The Gambian Government restricted public gathering, recommended reduction of work to essential services, recommended reduced transportation activities. Then state of emergency closed non-essential businesses. However, there is no lockdown or direct restriction for the public to move inside the country other than gatherings themselves : https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/324046/gambia-authorities-confirm-first-case-of-covid-19-march-17 State of Emergency declared on March 27, 2020 https://www.freedomnewspaper.com/2020/03/27/barrow-declares-a-state-of-emergency-amid-corona-infection-cases-in-the-gambia/

https://www.mrc.gm/information-on-covid-19-testing-at-the-mrc-unit-the-gambia-at-lshtm/ Our facilities are not open to walk-in requests for testing at the moment. COVID19 testing is facilitated by our partners at the Ministry of Health. All persons who may be observing COVID-19 symptoms should contact the Ministry of Health by calling the national helpline 1025 from any network, free of charge. Please follow the guidance you will receive.

Are contacts of the confirmed COVID19 case being traced? Yes. The Ministry of Health has teams in place to ensure urgent contact tracing. Those identified as close contacts are now being quarantined, and will be tested, in line with the decision to test all persons in quarantine before they are released. https://www.mrc.gm/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

On the evening of March 20, 2020, the Gambian government issued a decree barring admission of non-Gambian travelers who have recently visited 55 COVID-19 “hotspot” countries. https://gm.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

"On March 21, 2020, The Government of The Gambia announced the closure of airspace and the land border between The Gambia and Senegal effective beginning at midnight on Monday night, March 23, 2020 for a period of 21 days as part of the effort to stem the spread of COVID-19." https://gm.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

In his second Nationa address to the Nation on Covid-19, the President announced that the “government has taken the decision to scale down government operations. Accordingly, all Heads of government institutions, parastatals, private enterprises and other institutions have been instructed to scale down their activities, with minimal staff to perform basic services. Where feasible, staff can work from home.” Link: https://www.freedomnewspaper.com/2020/03/27/barrow-declares-a-state-of-emergency-amid-corona-infection-cases-in-the-gambia/

on 27 March, the President announced a state of emergency and "the suspension of all public gatherings including religious convergence. Muslims in the country have for the first time desist from the weekly Friday prayers in observance of the ban on public gatherings." Link_ http://apanews.net/en/news/gambia-declares-state-of-emergency-over-covid-19

"All public transport shall carry half of the total number of passengers they are allowed to transport by law." https://www.freedomnewspaper.com/2020/03/27/barrow-declares-a-state-of-emergency-amid-corona-infection-cases-in-the-gambia/

Videos available on Ministry of Health website and YouTube which demonstrate prevention strategies (e.g. proper hand washing) in several national languages. http://www.moh.gov.gm/

Motorcycles and other equipment presented to the Ministry of Health to support COVID-19 surveillance and contact tracing /web/20200516040425/ https://gambia.unfpa.org/en/news/motorcycles-and-other-equipment-presented-ministry-health-support-covid-19-surveillance-and

On 3 and 4 of May the Ministry of Health made voluntary testing for COVID-19 available to everyone in the greater Banjul area. Links: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19 https://web.archive.org/watch?v=_V0pyDaDqSA

The previous large-scale testing only seems to have taken for a couple of days. There is no policy available on how the government conducts its testing otherwise. Links: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19 https://web.archive.org/watch?v=_V0pyDaDqSA

On 18 March, the President announced the closure of all schools for three weeks. Link: https://www.news18.com/news/world/public-gatherings-banned-schools-closed-in-gambia-as-1st-coronavirus-case-detected-2540585.html

"President used the executive power to proceed with the extension by the maximum 21 days period effective May 19 (which is allowed under the Constitution as the National Assembly is now not in session)."; "The emergency powers were recently eased to allow partial reopening of businesses" https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"President used the executive power to proceed with the extension by the maximum 21 days period effective May 19 (which is allowed under the Constitution as the National Assembly is now not in session)." Pressure exists to allow religious events and gatherings. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"All public gatherings including funerals are limited to a maximum of 10 people" https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"President used the executive power to proceed with the extension by the maximum 21 days period effective May 19 (which is allowed under the Constitution as the National Assembly is now not in session)." https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Public health campaign continues across gov sources, media, and social media. Summary includes: 4 TV and 6 radio programs successfully conducted • 1 press briefing conducted • 210 households sensitized/engaged on COVID-19 preventive measures using existing community structures • Summary of social media activities: 3 Facebook and 2 Twitter posts shared with a cumulative engagement of 19,670 people reached • Summary of calls made to 1025: a total of 142 calls received (120 COVID-19 related and 22 non-COVID-19 related. 6 booked for further Link: http://www.moh.gov.gm/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Gambia_The_COVID-19_Sitrep-20-05-2020.pdf

Still in place http://www.moh.gov.gm/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Gambia_The_COVID-19_Sitrep-20-05-2020.pdf

"Bundung Magistrates’ Court convicted and sentenced an imam to a fine of D1500 or in default serve a one month prison sentence for leading Friday prayers " http://www.moh.gov.gm/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Gambia_The_COVID-19_Sitrep-20-05-2020.pdf

Although people are still recommended to stay home, all markets are now open, so long as all patrons wash or sanitize hands before entering the market, and social distancing measures are maintained. "Although the State of Emergency is currently still in effect, the government announced an easing of restrictions on June 4 reopening markets, mosques (as of June 5), and churches (as of June 7). Other restrictions – including school closures, border closures, and social gathering limitations – remain in place. The full declaration is available on the State House of The Gambia’s Facebook and Twitter" https://gm.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

The government claims to be carrying out comprehensive contact tracing, and maps out all transmission and the source of each case in weekly infographics posted on its official twitter page. It's unclear to what extent these 'situational report' graphics represent the completeness of the governments contact tracing efforts, and this doesn't represent a discrete policy change, but there is now _ostensibly_ comprehensive contact tracing being carried out in the country. https://twitter.com/Presidency_GMB/status/1272594265550524422/

On June 10th, the President's official Twitter page extended the state of public emergency, and associated restrictions, for 21 days. https://twitter.com/Presidency_GMB/status/1270674642999619587

On June 10th, the President's official Twitter page extended the state of public emergency, and associated restrictions, for 21 days. https://twitter.com/Presidency_GMB/status/1270674642999619587

On June 10th, the President's official Twitter page extended the state of public emergency, and associated restrictions, for 21 days. https://twitter.com/Presidency_GMB/status/1270674642999619587

On June 10th, the President's official Twitter page extended the state of public emergency, and associated restrictions, for 21 days. https://twitter.com/Presidency_GMB/status/1270674642999619587

On June 10th, the President's official Twitter page extended the state of public emergency, and associated restrictions, for 21 days. https://twitter.com/Presidency_GMB/status/1270674642999619587

On June 10th, the President's official Twitter page extended the state of public emergency, and associated restrictions, for 21 days. https://twitter.com/Presidency_GMB/status/1270674642999619587

On June 10th, the President's official Twitter page extended the state of public emergency, and associated restrictions, for 21 days. https://twitter.com/Presidency_GMB/status/1270674642999619587

Schools for grade 9 students who are preparing for their junior secondary school leaving certificate exams are allowed to open again. (Precise date unknown). Link: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Although people are still recommended to stay home, all markets are now open, so long as all patrons wash or sanitize hands before entering the market, and social distancing measures are maintained. "Although the State of Emergency is currently still in effect, the government announced an easing of restrictions on June 4 reopening markets, mosques (as of June 5), and churches (as of June 7). Other restrictions – including school closures, border closures, and social gathering limitations – remain in place. The full declaration is available on the State House of The Gambia’s Facebook and Twitter" https://gm.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

Mosques and churches can reopen 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

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

Still current

Continued public information campaigns. on 30 June, the following campaigns were conducted: 4 TV and 8 radio programs successfully conducted • 6 communities sensitized on COVID-19 prevention and control measures through a megaphone caravan tour • Summary of social media activities: 2 Facebook and 2 Twitter posts shared with a cumulative engagement of 10,771 people • Summary of calls made to 1025: a total of 78 calls received (65 COVID-19 related and 13 non-COVID-19 related. 2 booked for further follow up by contact tracing teams and 9 booked for further follow up by quarantine team) Link: http://www.moh.gov.gm/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Gambia_The_COVID-19_Sitrep-30-06-2020-1.pdf Link for other days: http://www.moh.gov.gm/covid-19-report/

On 1 July, the President again extended the public state of emergency for another seven days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/seven-days-state-public-emergency-declared

on 1 July, the President again extended the public state of emergency for another seven days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/seven-days-state-public-emergency-declared

On 1 July, the President again extended the public state of emergency for another seven days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/seven-days-state-public-emergency-declared

On 1 July, the President again extended the public state of emergency for another seven days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/seven-days-state-public-emergency-declared

On 1 July, the President again extended the public state of emergency for another seven days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/seven-days-state-public-emergency-declared

On 1 July, the President again extended the public state of emergency for another seven days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/seven-days-state-public-emergency-declared

On 1 July, the President again extended the public state of emergency for another seven days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/seven-days-state-public-emergency-declared

On 8 July, The President extended he state of emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/state-public-emergency-declared

On 8 July, The President extended he state of emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/state-public-emergency-declared

On 8 July, The President extended he state of emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/state-public-emergency-declared

On 8 July, The President extended he state of emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/state-public-emergency-declared

On 8 July, The President extended he state of emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/state-public-emergency-declared

On 8 July, The President extended he state of emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/state-public-emergency-declared

On 8 July, The President extended he state of emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/state-public-emergency-declared

Continued public health campaign from the Ministry of Health Link: http://www.moh.gov.gm/covid-19-report/

The President extends the State of Emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-further-declares-7-days-state-public-emergency

The President extends the State of Emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-further-declares-7-days-state-public-emergency

The President extends the State of Emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-further-declares-7-days-state-public-emergency

The President extends the State of Emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-further-declares-7-days-state-public-emergency

The President extends the State of Emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-further-declares-7-days-state-public-emergency

The President extends the State of Emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-further-declares-7-days-state-public-emergency

The President extends the State of Emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-further-declares-7-days-state-public-emergency

The President extends the State of Emergency for another 7 days. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-further-declares-7-days-state-public-emergency

On July 22, the President lifted the state of Emergency that had been in effect for five months, given the negative economic impact this has had. As a result, all emergency measures are lifted, with the exception of border closures. The government continues to monitor the spread of the disease and urges the public to adhere to health measures, maintain social distancing rules, and wear masks. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-lifts-state-public-emergency

On July 22, the President lifted the state of Emergency that had been in effect for five months, given the negative economic impact this has had. As a result, all emergency measures are lifted, with the exception of border closures. The government continues to monitor the spread of the disease and urges the public to adhere to health measures, maintain social distancing rules, and wear masks. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-lifts-state-public-emergency

On July 22, the President lifted the state of Emergency that had been in effect for five months, given the negative economic impact this has had. As a result, all emergency measures are lifted, with the exception of border closures. The government continues to monitor the spread of the disease and urges the public to adhere to health measures, maintain social distancing rules, and wear masks. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-lifts-state-public-emergency

Although the President lift the State of Public Emergency on 22 July 2020, " ‘Regulation No. 6’ of the Public Health (Dangerous Infectious Diseases) Protection Regulations, 2020 is in force, thus the compulsory wearing of face masks, temporary closure of non-essential public places and the prohibition of public and social gatherings". http://archive.vn/ms6PJ

On July 22, the President lifted the state of Emergency that had been in effect for five months, given the negative economic impact this has had. As a result, all emergency measures are lifted, with the exception of border closures. The government continues to monitor the spread of the disease and urges the public to adhere to health measures, maintain social distancing rules, and wear masks. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-lifts-state-public-emergency

On July 22, the President lifted the state of Emergency that had been in effect for five months, given the negative economic impact this has had. As a result, all emergency measures are lifted, with the exception of border closures. The government continues to monitor the spread of the disease and urges the public to adhere to health measures, maintain social distancing rules, and wear masks. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-lifts-state-public-emergency

On July 22, the President lifted the state of Emergency that had been in effect for five months, given the negative economic impact this has had. As a result, all emergency measures are lifted, with the exception of border closures. The government continues to monitor the spread of the disease and urges the public to adhere to health measures, maintain social distancing rules, and wear masks. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-lifts-state-public-emergency

On July 22, the President lifted the state of Emergency that had been in effect for five months, given the negative economic impact this has had. As a result, all emergency measures are lifted, with the exception of border closures. The government continues to monitor the spread of the disease and urges the public to adhere to health measures, maintain social distancing rules, and wear masks. Link: http://www.statehouse.gm/president-barrow-lifts-state-public-emergency

Continued public health campaign. Link: http://www.moh.gov.gm/covid-19-report/

Due to a surge of over 60% in the last seven days, the Gambia government imposed a 21-day state of emergency and nighttime curfew (10pm-5am), in force from 6 August to 26 August. "The government also closed down all places of worship and schools. Only a select number of establishments are allowed to continue operating. These are: grocery stores, markets, banks and all businesses classified as essential." The government attributed this surge to "citizens lowering their guard with respect to protective health measures". However, although two media reported this new measure on 6 August, there is no such announcement on the government website... http://archive.vn/XlV9N http://archive.vn/7a571

Due to a surge of over 60% in the last seven days, the Gambia government imposed a 21-day state of emergency and nighttime curfew (10pm-5am), in force from 6 August to 26 August. "The government also closed down all places of worship and schools. Only a select number of establishments are allowed to continue operating. These are: grocery stores, markets, banks and all businesses classified as essential." The government attributed this surge to "citizens lowering their guard with respect to protective health measures". However, although two media reported this new measure on 6 August, there is no such announcement on the government website... http://archive.vn/XlV9N http://archive.vn/7a571

Due to a surge of over 60% in the last seven days, the Gambia government imposed a 21-day state of emergency and nighttime curfew (10pm-5am), in force from 6 August to 26 August. "The government also closed down all places of worship and schools. Only a select number of establishments are allowed to continue operating. These are: grocery stores, markets, banks and all businesses classified as essential." The government attributed this surge to "citizens lowering their guard with respect to protective health measures". However, although two media reported this new measure on 6 August, there is no such announcement on the government website... http://archive.vn/XlV9N http://archive.vn/7a571

Due to a surge of over 60% in the last seven days, the Gambia government imposed a 21-day state of emergency and nighttime curfew (10pm-5am), in force from 6 August to 26 August. "The government also closed down all places of worship and schools. Only a select number of establishments are allowed to continue operating. These are: grocery stores, markets, banks and all businesses classified as essential." The government attributed this surge to "citizens lowering their guard with respect to protective health measures". However, although two media reported this new measure on 6 August, there is no such announcement on the government website... http://archive.vn/XlV9N http://archive.vn/7a571

Due to a surge of over 60% in the last seven days, the Gambia government imposed a 21-day state of emergency and nighttime curfew (10pm-5am), in force from 6 August to 26 August. "The government also closed down all places of worship and schools. Only a select number of establishments are allowed to continue operating. These are: grocery stores, markets, banks and all businesses classified as essential." The government attributed this surge to "citizens lowering their guard with respect to protective health measures". However, although two media reported this new measure on 6 August, there is no such announcement on the government website... http://archive.vn/XlV9N http://archive.vn/7a571

"All educational institutions (Universities, Colleges, Schools, Madrassas, Daras, Majalis and Gamos) shall remain closed. However, Grade 12 students are exempted only for the period of their WAEC/WASSCE exams from 17th August to the 7thSeptember 2020. These schools shall open solely for the purpose of administering exit exams" Source: https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/08/06/gambia-announces-state-of-emergency-curfew-over-covid-19/

"All non-food outlets in all markets throughout The Gambia shall remain closed. Exemptions are granted to banks and financial institutions, pharmacies, drug stores, supermarkets and mini markets, local corner shops and essential food traders. The markets shall be opened between 6am and 2pm daily;" Source: https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/08/06/gambia-announces-state-of-emergency-curfew-over-covid-19/

Extension of lockdown measures - "All non-essential public places, such as bars, cafeterias, cinemas, video clubs, gymnasiums, museums, night clubs, public swimming pools, events halls, casinos, gaming parlours and sporting venues shall be closed." March 18 Source: https://www.freedomnewspaper.com/2020/03/27/barrow-declares-a-state-of-emergency-amid-corona-infection-cases-in-the-gambia/ 21 Day extension August 6 Source: https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/08/06/gambia-announces-state-of-emergency-curfew-over-covid-19/

From a previous order: "The number of people attending any social gathering, such as weddings, naming ceremonies and funerals shall be restricted to a maximum of ten people." though, minimum number of people not stated in recent reports Source: https://www.freedomnewspaper.com/2020/03/27/barrow-declares-a-state-of-emergency-amid-corona-infection-cases-in-the-gambia/

From the March 18 order: "All public transport shall carry half of the total number of passengers they are allowed to transport by law."

"In the wake of the worrisome trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia, His Excellency President Adama Barrow in exercise of the powers vested in him by Section 34 (1) (a) and pursuant to Section 34 (2) of the 1997 Constitution declares a State of Public Emergency effective midnight tonight and a curfew effective tomorrow, 6th August 2020 throughout The Gambia for a period of 21 days." Source: https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/08/06/gambia-announces-state-of-emergency-curfew-over-covid-19/

"All non-food outlets in all markets throughout The Gambia shall remain closed. Exemptions are granted to banks and financial institutions, pharmacies, drug stores, supermarkets and mini markets, local corner shops and essential food traders. The markets shall be opened between 6am and 2pm daily; All markets and shopping areas in The Gambia shall be closed on Sundays for cleansing or necessary fumigation by Area and Municipal Councils;" Source: https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/08/06/gambia-announces-state-of-emergency-curfew-over-covid-19/

No new update. Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/the-gambia/entry-requirements

No new update.

No new update.

"I have established a Cabinet Sub-Committee to provide policy guidance. Together, we have demonstrated very strong political will through the implementation of a comprehensive National COVID Response Programme. In the process, all arms of Government, relevant institutions, partners and stakeholders have been engaged to enforce measures to protect our people" Source: https://www.freedomnewspaper.com/2020/03/27/barrow-declares-a-state-of-emergency-amid-corona-infection-cases-in-the-gambia/

"However, our facilities are not open to walk-in requests for testing at the moment. COVID19 testing is facilitated by our partners at the Ministry of Health. All persons who may be observing COVID-19 symptoms should contact the Ministry of Health by calling the national helpline 1025 from any network, free of charge." Source: https://www.mrc.gm/information-on-COVID-19-testing-at-the-mrc-unit-the-gambia-at-lshtm/

Contact Tracing updates are included in Gambia's Ministry of Health's website daily pdf reports. Sample: http://www.moh.gov.gm/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Gambia_The_COVID-19_Sitrep-19-August-2020.pdf Site: http://www.moh.gov.gm/covid-19-report/