What's the government response timeline for Liberia?

Liberia’s Health minister, Wilhelmina Jallah, warned Liberians against travelling to China. http://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200128-coronavirus-africa-high-alert

10th March Prior to the March 23 closure of the airport,from 10th March the government of Liberia had implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) in collaboration with the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) has instituted mandatory screening and handwashing mechanisms for everyone accessing the airport. Travellers at vetted POC (Precautionary Observation Centres) will be quarantine and monitored by medical teams twice a day for signs of fever, coughing, or respiratory distress. https://lr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ http://moh.gov.lr/wp-content/uploads/Travel-Advisory.pdf http://web.archive.org/watch?v=t0MbX2Rd_5s

Liberia bans entry from countries with more than 200 cases https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/324486/liberia-authorities-ban-entry-for-travelers-from-countries-with-more-than-200-covid-19-cases-march-16-update-1 http://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200319-liberia-takes-immediate-steps-to-curb-coronavirus-spread-first-cases-worst-ebola-outbreak-history https://allafrica.com/stories/202003310693.html

16th March First case tests positive for COVID 19 in Liberia http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/16/c_138884268.htm

First case tests positive for COVID 19 in Liberia. Minister Jallah however said, contact tracing was immediately done and 41 high risk contacts were found among which 21 were taken for testing and one was tested positive and is currently undergoing treatment http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/16/c_138884268.htm http://moh.gov.lr/press-release/2020/moh-and-nphil-update-on-coronavirus-outbreak-in-liberia/

In addition, the Ministry of Education has ordered for all schools nationwide, including universities, to suspend classes for one week starting from Tuesday, March 17. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/324486/liberia-authorities-ban-entry-for-travelers-from-countries-with-more-than-200-covid-19-cases-march-16-update-1 Indeed, soon after schools across Liberia closed on March 16, when the country's first coronavirus case was confirmed, authorities launched a radio schooling initiative to bridge an education gap. Within two weeks, the first lessons were aired on radio stations nationwide. Today, some 32 stations now broadcast several prerecorded lessons a day, each lasting half an hour, catering to different educational levels. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/liberia-takes-classes-airwaves-covid-19-pandemic-200415203012448.html

17th March To ensure public safety, the Ministry of Transport and LNP have agreed that the full enforcement of the preventive measures shall commence effective on March 17, 2020. Public Transport- taxis should carry no more than two passengers in the back and one in the front. motorbike/pempem should carry only one passenger. https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/mot-announces-preventive-measures-for-public-transport/ https://emansion.gov.lr/doc/COVID-19%20Declaration%20of%20National%20Health%20Emergency%20-%20MoH.pdf

20th March Dr. Fallah said that 17 of the high risk contacts were also being taken to an isolated place for testing which according to him 16 of them were tested http://moh.gov.lr/press-release/2020/moh-and-nphil-update-on-coronavirus-outbreak-in-liberia/

Libya declares state of national emergency and 21 day lockdown in certain counties http://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200419-liberia-imposes-60-days-state-of-emergency-to-contain-coronavirus-george-weah-covid-19-lockdown https://emansion.gov.lr/doc/COVID-19%20Declaration%20of%20National%20Health%20Emergency%20-%20MoH.pdf

Libya declares state of national emergency and 21 day lockdown in certain counties. Restrictions on the movement of people in and out of the affected areas: all travels in and outside the Montserrado and Margibi areas are “discouraged”. http://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200419-liberia-imposes-60-days-state-of-emergency-to-contain-coronavirus-george-weah-covid-19-lockdown https://emansion.gov.lr/doc/COVID-19%20Declaration%20of%20National%20Health%20Emergency%20-%20MoH.pdf https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/340551/liberia-president-extends-nationwide-lockdown-measures-for-two-weeks-from-may-8-update-7

On March 22, 2020, the Liberian Ministry of Health released a Declaration of National Health Emergency regarding the potential for COVID-19 in Liberia. ‘All bars, night clubs, casinos, betting centers, cinemas, video clubs and entertainment centers are hereby closed. Churches mosques religious centers and other places of worship are hereby closed” https://emansion.gov.lr/doc/COVID-19%20Declaration%20of%20National%20Health%20Emergency%20-%20MoH.pdf

Churches, mosques, bars and beaches were closed in two counties and gatherings of more than 10 people banned https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-ethiopia/ethiopia-and-liberia-declare-states-of-emergency-to-curb-coronavirus-idUSKBN21Q16T

On March 22, the health ministry declared a national health emergency after the source of a third case could not be determined. Churches, mosques, bars and beaches were closed in two counties and gatherings of more than 10 people banned, with citizens ordered to stand two metres (six feet) apart. Schools have been closed nationwide. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/liberia-braces-coronavirus-defunct-health-system-200403134851258.html

24th March Ministry of Health Report states- ‘Risk communication and Community engagement: • >900 health promoters including traditional leaders to be deployed on the 23-24 to over 100 communities in Montserrado hot spot communities • Airing of jingles, Radio talk shows and community engagement intensified across the country • Media monitoring and responding to media queries strengthened at national level’ /web/20200604103134/ http://moh.gov.lr/wp-content/uploads/LR-COVID-19-Situation-Report-10-March-24-2020.pdf

28th March Cities alliance Liberia Country Programme running public information campaign The Liberia Country Programme, in partnership with the Liberian Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Public Health Institute (NPHI), is broadcasting a weekly talk show on ECOWAS radio, the station with the widest reach in the country. https://www.citiesalliance.org/newsroom/news/cities-alliance-news/responding-covid-19-threat-liberia

On Monday, March 30, authorities announced the immediate closure of the country's land borders with Guinea and Cote d'Ivoire in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. According to the statement, the borders will be shut for an initial 30-day period to all but essential goods and transportation services. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/330676/liberia-authorities-to-declare-state-of-emergency-from-april-10-due-to-covid-19-update-3

On Wednesday, April 8, Liberia's President George Weah announced that he intends to declare a state of emergency starting at 23:59 (local time) on Friday, April 10, due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. President Weah has called for an emergency session of parliament so that MPs can approve the measure. The emergency law would last for three weeks and is renewable. Throughout this period, residents may only leave home for essential journeys such as food shopping and for medical purposes, which should be restricted to local communities and be limited to a single person per household for a maximum of one hour. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/330676/liberia-authorities-to-declare-state-of-emergency-from-april-10-due-to-covid-19-update-3

Monrovia — Liberia's health authorities said they have opened a "drive through" testing center for the coronavirus, which is expected to allow people seek voluntary testing. The testing center, located at the SKD Sports Complex in Paynesville city, allows people "who don't feel satisfy with themselves" to walk in and get tested for COVID-19, said Dr. Mosoka Fallah, Director of Liberia's Public Health Institute. Have coded as 1 as believe this is still limited in capacity and geographical area. https://allafrica.com/stories/202004080513.html

A nationwide State of Emergency, which includes a range of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, is in place for 60 days from 10 April. Under the State of Emergency, all 15 counties will be quarantined from 10 April until further notice. Movement between counties will be prohibited (except between Montserrado and Margibi counties, which are quarantined as a single unit). A permit is required for essential travel between counties. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/liberia/staying-during-coronavirus

Among other restrictions remaining in effect are a daily curfew at 15:00 (local time), a ban on movement between counties, and the closure of all non-essential businesses. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/336071/liberia-president-extends-lockdown-measures-for-two-weeks-from-april-24-update-6 http://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200319-liberia-takes-immediate-steps-to-curb-coronavirus-spread-first-cases-worst-ebola-outbreak-history It can be recalled that President George M. Weah in his state of emergency address to the nation ordered the closure all non-essential businesses and barred the sale of non food items restricting same to only food items to be sold during the 21- day period. https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/marketers-defy-social-distancing-guideline/

Contact tracers are urgently being recruited, trained and deployed. They are tasked with identifying suspected contacts of confirmed infections, monitoring those people for symptoms, and referring suspected cases for testing. They also provide education on infection prevention to the community. “The contact tracers are helping to speed up the identification, isolation and treatment of suspected individuals,” said Thomas K. Nagbe, the director of the Infectious Disease and Epidemiology Division at the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, which is partnering with UNFPA in these efforts. Today, there are more than 200 UNFPA-supported contact tracers working with the Montserrado County Health Team, which covers both Margibi and Montserrado countires. Efforts are underway to increase that number to 400 tracers in the coming weeks. https://www.unfpa.org/news/learning-ebola-experience-liberia-deploys-contact-tracers-break-covid-19-transmission

Lockdown measures extended by 2 weeks: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/336071/liberia-president-extends-lockdown-measures-for-two-weeks-from-april-24-update-6

Lockdown measures extended by 2 weeks. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/336071/liberia-president-extends-lockdown-measures-for-two-weeks-from-april-24-update-6

On Friday, April 24, President George Weah announced that Liberia's stay-at-home measures in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be extended by a further two weeks through until Friday, May 8. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/336071/liberia-president-extends-lockdown-measures-for-two-weeks-from-april-24-update-6

Authorities say, Liberia has the ability to test around 300 persons daily. https://allafrica.com/stories/202004290229.html

May 8 Pres. Weah Extends “Stay Home Order” By Two More Weeks 2) Ensure that everyone in those counties stay at home for two weeks - with exceptions granted to designated essential persons and businesses 3) Require all to be indoors by 3pm. https://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=5148&related=7&pg=sp

Aside from some measures to speed up and facilitate the importation process—including by removal of the pre-shipment inspection requirement and some protective surcharges—and to develop a preparedness plan, no other special fiscal measures have yet been adopted. No changes to monetary policy are envisaged at this stage. No changes to exchange rates. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#L

Aside from some measures to speed up and facilitate the importation process—including by removal of the pre-shipment inspection requirement and some protective surcharges—and to develop a preparedness plan, no other special fiscal measures have yet been adopted. No changes to monetary policy are envisaged at this stage. No changes to exchange rates. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#L

The Government of Liberia has announced an additional two-week extension of restrictions intended to halt the spread of COVID-19 in the country. However, during the ensuing period, a release from the Executive Mansion says, the public is now required to be indoors at 6 p.m., instead of the previous 3 p.m. https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/state-of-emergency-extended-for-yet-another-two-weeks/

State of Emergency Extended for Yet Another Two Weeks. On May 22, 2020, the President of Liberia announced a two-week extension of restrictions intended to halt the spread of COVID-19 in the country. The State of Emergency (SOE) includes travel restrictions for all Liberian counties. Movement between counties is prohibited except for Montserrado County and Margibi County, which the SOE regards as a single unit. https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/state-of-emergency-extended-for-yet-another-two-weeks/ https://emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=5152&related=7&pg=sp https://lr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ https://www.osac.gov/Content/Report/56e0da6e-47cb-47d2-ba23-18cd1eaacfbe

State of emergency extended for 2 more weeks. The President said restaurants, stores selling food commodities, dry goods, building materials and electronic appliances, will be allowed to open, provided they take in 25% of their full occupancy at a time while observing social distancing. https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/compulsory-covid-19-testing-for-curfew-violators/ https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/state-of-emergency-extended-for-yet-another-two-weeks/

Lockdown extended 2 weeks https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/state-of-emergency-extended-for-yet-another-two-weeks/

Lockdown extended 2 weeks. Measures and protocols previously announced remain in place. https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/state-of-emergency-extended-for-yet-another-two-weeks/

No announcements modifying earlier status

No announcements modifying earlier status

UNESCO data shows Liberian schools still closed Nationally as of 3rd June 2020. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

The Liberia National Police (LNP) announced on Wednesday, May 31, that all flights to and from Liberia will be suspended for the day on Sunday, June 4. This 24-hour suspension is due to the holding of a summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which will take place in the capital city Monrovia on the same date All land borders are also shut so this is a total border closure. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/59971/liberia-all-international-flights-suspended-on-june-4

5th june address, extending measures by 2 weeks does not modify previous guidelines with regards to schol closures except signal preparations for opening of examination grades in the month of June: "In a related development, in the wake of consensus by West African countries that are members of the West African Examination Council to administer this year's WASSCE exams for 12th graders in August 2020, President Weah has mandated the Ministers of Education and Health to promulgate guidelines for the return of students in the 12th grade to class this June." https://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=5159&related=7&pg=sp

5th june address, extending measures by 2 weeks does not modify previous guidelines with regards to workplace closing except announce that Hotels, guest houses, gaming centers are to reopen beginning the 21st of June, with the observance of the required health measures https://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=5159&related=7&pg=sp

5th june address, extending measures by 2 weeks does not modify previous guidelines with regards to public events https://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=5159&related=7&pg=sp

5th june address, extending measures by 2 weeks does not modify previous guidelines with regards to gatherings https://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=5159&related=7&pg=sp

5th june address, extending measures by 2 weeks does not modify previous guidelines with regards to public transport https://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=5159&related=7&pg=sp

5th june address, extending measures by 2 weeks makes some modification to curfew: - curfew time pushed from 6 pm to 9 pm; but also lifted curfew in counties that have no positive cases reported " 1) All are now required to be indoors by 9pm, instead of the previous time of 6pm. 2) The restriction requiring people to stay indoors at a certain time of the day will be lifted in counties that have not reported any case of the disease so far." https://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=5159&related=7&pg=sp

5th June announcement extends measures by two weeks ( i.e. till 19th) with some modifications regarding internal movement: "3) Movement to and from counties not yet affected by COVID-19 will be restricted. With the exception of basic supplies, all other such movements between/amongst counties are prohibited." https://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=5159&related=7&pg=sp

5th June announcement extends measures by two weeks ( i.e. till 19th) - no modification to international travel but announcement made that RIA airport expected to re-open on 21 June to commercial flights. https://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=5159&related=7&pg=sp

No announcements modifying earlier status, except announcement in 5th June address of president that "The government admonishes everyone to continue to adhere strictly to all the safety measures intended to halt further spread of the virus in Liberia, including social distancing and regular hand washing. The wearing of face masks in public places remains compulsory. The joint security will continue to enforce these rules. All other protocols that were previously announced not amended by this release remain in force." https://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=5159&related=7&pg=sp

No announcements modifying earlier status, except announcement in 5th June address of president that "The government admonishes everyone to continue to adhere strictly to all the safety measures intended to halt further spread of the virus in Liberia, including social distancing and regular hand washing. The wearing of face masks in public places remains compulsory. The joint security will continue to enforce these rules. All other protocols that were previously announced not amended by this release remain in force." https://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=5159&related=7&pg=sp According to interim guidance on care for covid-19 cases "All suspected and probable cases of COVID-19 should have nasopharyngeal samples collected and tested and the results provided within 24 hours of detection and isolation. - All high-risk contacts should have nasopharyngeal samples collected on day 7 and 12 of quarantine. - All low risk contacts and other members of the public should be encouraged to visit community-based voluntary sample collection sites or mobile teams and request sample collection and testing. - All health workers should be provided opportunity for periodic voluntary testing and after risky exposure. - Special and vulnerable groups of populations (e.g. disable communities, orphanages, persons in correction facilities, mental health facilities, etc.), and public officers (e.g. police officers and soldiers) should be provided opportunity for periodic voluntary testing." http://moh.gov.lr/wp-content/uploads/Interim_Guidance_for_care_of_Pts_with_Covid_19_in_Liberia.pdf

No announcements modifying earlier status, except announcement in 5th June address of president that "The government admonishes everyone to continue to adhere strictly to all the safety measures intended to halt further spread of the virus in Liberia, including social distancing and regular hand washing. The wearing of face masks in public places remains compulsory. The joint security will continue to enforce these rules. All other protocols that were previously announced not amended by this release remain in force." https://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=5159&related=7&pg=sp

"Movement restrictions between counties (except Montserrado and Margibi counties, quarantined as a single unit) are likely to continue, pending Legislature approval, (except Montserrado and Margibi counties, quarantined as a single unit). A permit may be required for essential travel across county borders. " https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/liberia/coronavirus

A nationwide State of Emergency, which includes a range of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, has been extended effective from 22 June to 21 July, pending Legislature approval. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/liberia/staying-during-coronavirus

"The 12th graders’ classes which began on June 29, 2020, will end on August 14, 2020." https://frontpageafricaonline.com/opinion/press-release/liberia-education-ministry-unfolds-plans-for-reopening-of-schools/

It seems like the ban was lifted on June 28th. Note: Liberia’s Roberts International Airport opened on June 28th to commercial flights, even though the country remains in a state of emergency until July 22. All passengers will be required to have their temperature taken for symptoms of COVID-19 and register via phone numbers/USSD Mobile App. All arriving passengers who have been tested at point of departure must present a valid negative result document on arrival at RIA. All arriving passengers who have not been tested at point of departure will be required to take a rapid test and a PCR swab at airport. a. In the event of a positive rapid test result, the passenger will be placed in the holding unit at the airport pending the final PCR test result. b. Passengers having negative test results will be allowed to go home pending final PCR test. See https://lr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

No measures so far. See https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

No measures so far. See https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"Places of worship are permitted to hold services. You are required to wear face masks in all commercial premises and government buildings." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/liberia/coronavirus

Following the expiration of state of emergency, Officials have permitted the movement of essential staff and products. Restaurants, and stores selling food commodities, dry goods, building materials, and electronic appliances, are allowed to operate if they enforce 25 percent capacity and adhere to social-distancing measures." https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-liberia-state-emergency-expires-july-21-international-flights-ongoing

"The status of other restrictions, such as curfews and quarantine measures, is currently unclear following the expiration of the state of emergency." https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-liberia-state-emergency-expires-july-21-international-flights-ongoing

"Montserrado and Margibi counties remain under quarantine as a single unit." https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-liberia-state-emergency-expires-july-21-international-flights-ongoing

"Movement between counties that have not reported COVID-19 cases remains restricted." https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-liberia-state-emergency-expires-july-21-international-flights-ongoing

[Citation] With the resumption of commercial flight operations at Roberts International Airport (RIA) on June 28, the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism announced the following health measures and protocols for arriving passengers: 1. All passengers will be required to have their temperature taken for symptoms of COVID-19 and register via phone numbers/USSD Mobile App. 2. All arriving passengers who have been tested at point of departure must present a valid negative result document on arrival at RIA. 3. All arriving passengers who have not been tested at point of departure will be required to take a rapid test and a PCR swab at the airport upon arrival in Liberia. a. In the event of a positive rapid test result, the passenger will be placed in the holding unit at the airport pending the final PCR test result. b. Passengers having negative test results will be allowed to go home pending final PCR test. There will be continued symptom monitoring via USSD and Mobile App. [End of citation] http://archive.vn/k1KBE

Note: The Ministry of Education recently announced plans for the in person resumption of academic activities between mid-August – mid- November 2020, for the completion of the academic year. See: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19 (web archive link not working).

No special measures have yet been adopted.

No special measures have yet been adopted.