What's the government response timeline for Sierra Leone?

On Monday, March 16, the Sierra Leonean government announced a ban on all public gatherings of more than 100 people to prevent spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. ( https://www.garda.com/fr/crisis24/alertes-de-securite/324941/sierra-leone-government-suspends-all-air-traffic-due-to-covid-19-march-22-update-2);

There is a special credit facility (Le 500 billion) to support production, procurement, and distribution of essential goods; https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/04/02/sierra-leone-to-receive-75-million-for-covid-19-response

No closure ( https://snradio.net/ministry-of-transport-implement-measures-to-prevent-and-contain-the-corona-virus-in-sierra-leone/)

On March 20th, Ministry of Health publishes info on social distancing through a re-tweet ( https:/twitter.com/mohs_sl). Since then, regular updates on Twitter and dedicated page on the Ministry of Health website ( https://mohs.gov.sl/covid-19/)

"The government of Sierra Leone has announced that all flights scheduled to and from Freetown International Airport have been suspended until further notice from 21 March."( https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sierra-leone) "Starting on March 21st, all flights (except emergency flights) to and from Sierra Leone will be banned" ( https://diplomatie.belgium.be/fr/Services/voyager_a_letranger/conseils_par_destination/sierra_leone)

"Authorities suspend all air traffic from March 22 due to COVID-19 and ban gatherings larger than 100 people" ( https://www.garda.com/fr/crisis24/alertes-de-securite/324941/sierra-leone-government-suspends-all-air-traffic-due-to-covid-19-march-22-update-2) "All cultural events have been prohibited." ( https://www.africanews.com/2020/04/02/virus-free-sierra-leone-records-covid-19-scuffles-over-quarantine-at-airport/)

Starting March 23, the government will impose restrictions on the number of passengers traveling by public transportation. https://sl.usembassy.gov/sierra-leone-covid-19-information-updated-march-23-2020/

Entertainment facilities are required to close, and Markets in Freetown are limited to the hours of 0700 - 1700hrs. http://archive.vn/wip/sCqaD

"The government of Sierra Leone has announced that all flights scheduled to and from Freetown International Airport have been suspended until further notice from 21 March."( https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sierra-leone) "Starting on March 21st, all flights (except emergency flights) to and from Sierra Leone will be banned" ( https://diplomatie.belgium.be/fr/Services/voyager_a_letranger/conseils_par_destination/sierra_leone) "Sierra Leone will close its land borders except for essential commodities effective midnight – 27 March 2020, as part of government’s efforts to fight the Coronavirus." ( https://statehouse.gov.sl/sierra-leones-president-julius-maada-bio-announces-closure-of-land-borders/)

"Schools, Colleges and Universities have all been ordered to close as from today [March 31] until further notice" ( http://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200331-no-lockdown-yet-as-sierra-leone-records-first-case-of-covid-19) https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse "All educational institutions - from early child education centres to tertiary institutions – will close today Tuesday 31st March 2020 until further notice." ( https://statehouse.gov.sl/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Statement-by-His-Excellency-Dr-Julius-Maada-Bio-President-of-the-Republic-of-Sierra-Leone-at-the-Second-Press-Conference-on-COVID-19.-State-House-Freetown-31-March-2020.pdf)

“we have quickly isolated case number one. We have immediately and aggressively operationalised tracking and surveillance for all primary and secondary contacts (Ed.Note: that is every person Case# 1 may have come into contact with)." "Those persons will be placed into mandatory quarantine and tested immediately starting today [Tuesday, March 31st]. From now on, I direct that health teams proactively seek out and compulsorily test all suspected cases.” "When questioned by journalists about the level of testing, the Minister of Health Alpha Wurie revealed that health officials had been conducting tests only when patients are suspected with “signs and symptoms” and so far they have done 42 of those tests." ( http://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200331-no-lockdown-yet-as-sierra-leone-records-first-case-of-covid-19)

"President Bio disclosed that “we have quickly isolated case number one. We have immediately and aggressively operationalised tracking and surveillance for all primary and secondary contacts (Ed.Note: that is every person Case# 1 may have come into contact with)." ( http://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200331-no-lockdown-yet-as-sierra-leone-records-first-case-of-covid-19)

"Schools, Colleges and Universities have all been ordered to close as from today [March 31] until further notice" ( http://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200331-no-lockdown-yet-as-sierra-leone-records-first-case-of-covid-19) https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Lockdown announced on April 3rd, will be implemented on April 5th ( http://apanews.net/en/pays/sierra-leone-sierra-leone/news/sierra-leone-on-3-day-covid-19-lockdown-from-april-5)

http://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200406-sierra-leone-begins-72-hour-lockdown-after-6th-coronavirus-case-reported-covid-19 72 hour lockdown started Sunday, Apr 5

https://www.longwoods.com/worldnewsdetail/4534 72 hour lockdown started Sunday, Apr 5

Stay at home order during 72 hour lockdown (started Sunday, Apr 5) https://www.longwoods.com/worldnewsdetail/4534

3-Day general lockdown across Sierra Leone http://apanews.net/en/pays/sierra-leone-sierra-leone/news/sierra-leone-on-3-day-covid-19-lockdown-from-april-5

/web/20200416114616/ http://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200406-sierra-leone-begins-72-hour-lockdown-after-6th-coronavirus-case-reported-covid-19%2072%20hour%20lockdown%20started%20Sunday,%20Apr%205

http://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200406-sierra-leone-begins-72-hour-lockdown-after-6th-coronavirus-case-reported-covid-19 72 hour lockdown started Sunday, Apr 5

"Schools, Colleges and Universities have all been ordered to close as from today [March 31] until further notice" ( http://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200331-no-lockdown-yet-as-sierra-leone-records-first-case-of-covid-19) https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Following the 3 day National lockdown, assume that closures went back to the orders set out on April 1: https://www.facebook.com/mic.gov.sl/ (April 2nd posting) : Markets All Lumas banned until further notice Shops and Supermarkets to establish hand washing facilities and practice social distancing Entertainment Clubs and Bars to run from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and must enforce social distancing Restaurant opening times limited from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and must enforce social distancing All beaches closed for mass entertainment including mass jogging All sporting activities , sport centers and video centers banned until further notice Lockdown National lockdown to be observed from 6:00 am Sunday 5th April 2020 to 11:59 pm Tuesday 7th April 2020 No movement outside of homes except for essential services which includes health and security personnel or designated media personnel.

Based on previous 3 day lockdown, and the curfews in place over Sierra Leon, have made an assumption that limited movement would be in place for this date. However, cannot find any directives to support this.

“we have quickly isolated case number one. We have immediately and aggressively operationalised tracking and surveillance for all primary and secondary contacts (Ed.Note: that is every person Case# 1 may have come into contact with)." "Those persons will be placed into mandatory quarantine and tested immediately starting today [Tuesday, March 31st]. From now on, I direct that health teams proactively seek out and compulsorily test all suspected cases.” "When questioned by journalists about the level of testing, the Minister of Health Alpha Wurie revealed that health officials had been conducting tests only when patients are suspected with “signs and symptoms” and so far they have done 42 of those tests." ( http://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200331-no-lockdown-yet-as-sierra-leone-records-first-case-of-covid-19) "The lock down was a necessary public health intervention a. To scale up surveillance, contact tracing, and testing for all known cases" ( https://statehouse.gov.sl/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Statement-by-His-Excellency-Dr-Julius-Maada-Bio-President-of-the-Republic-of-Sierra-Leone-at-the-Third-Press-Conference-on-Covid-19.-State-House-Freetown-8-April-2020.pdf)

"The lock down was a necessary public health intervention a. To scale up surveillance, contact tracing, and testing for all known cases" ( https://statehouse.gov.sl/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Statement-by-His-Excellency-Dr-Julius-Maada-Bio-President-of-the-Republic-of-Sierra-Leone-at-the-Third-Press-Conference-on-Covid-19.-State-House-Freetown-8-April-2020.pdf)

Citizens required to stay at home unless have a strong reason to be out http://archive.fo/wip/TQUKa

Government imposes a curfew between hours of 2100 and 6000. In addition, citizens without a good reason to be in public are encouraged to stay at home. https://www.facebook.com/mic.gov.sl/photos/pcb.607921269795889/607921186462564/?type=3&theater

Inter-district travel is strictly prohibited. https://www.facebook.com/mic.gov.sl/photos/pcb.607921269795889/607921186462564/?type=3&theater

During a partial lockdown and Nationwide curfews overnight (beginning April 11 for 14 days), the public and private sectors have hours where they can operate, and certain retail trades are allowed to operate if they are food, medicine, water and fuel or other essential items. http://archive.fo/4RdwI http://archive.fo/TQUKa

“we have quickly isolated case number one. We have immediately and aggressively operationalised tracking and surveillance for all primary and secondary contacts (Ed.Note: that is every person Case# 1 may have come into contact with)." "Those persons will be placed into mandatory quarantine and tested immediately starting today [Tuesday, March 31st]. From now on, I direct that health teams proactively seek out and compulsorily test all suspected cases.” "When questioned by journalists about the level of testing, the Minister of Health Alpha Wurie revealed that health officials had been conducting tests only when patients are suspected with “signs and symptoms” and so far they have done 42 of those tests." ( http://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200331-no-lockdown-yet-as-sierra-leone-records-first-case-of-covid-19) "The lock down was a necessary public health intervention a. To scale up surveillance, contact tracing, and testing for all known cases" ( https://statehouse.gov.sl/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Statement-by-His-Excellency-Dr-Julius-Maada-Bio-President-of-the-Republic-of-Sierra-Leone-at-the-Third-Press-Conference-on-Covid-19.-State-House-Freetown-8-April-2020.pdf)

Part of state of emergency that is still in place

Border controls and closure: a mandatory quarantine for anyone arriving from a country with 50 or more cases (monitoring of those with fewer than 50); closure of land borders, enhanced border controls and a 3-month suspension of all incoming and outgoing regular passenger flights. See: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Since April 2, the government activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Center and developed a national COVID-19 preparedness plan, which focuses primarily on strengthening surveillance at the three official points of entry, improving case management, and conducting effective campaigns at the national, subnational and community levels. See: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/04/02/sierra-leone-to-receive-75-million-for-covid-19-response

the 14 day partial lockdown from April 12 is extended until "further notice" http://archive.fo/wip/2pDuM

"Schools, universities are closed and large public gatherings of over 100 people (e.g. concerts, religious ceremonies, sporting events) are prohibited." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sierra-leone/coronavirus

"large public gatherings of over 100 people (e.g. concerts, religious ceremonies, sporting events) are prohibited." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sierra-leone/coronavirus

"Citizens are required to (...) stay home if they are sick" https://sl.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

"On 25 April, the Government of Sierra Leone extended the Inter-District lockdown. You will require an e-pass if you need to move between districts" https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sierra-leone/coronavirus

"The government of Sierra Leone has announced that all flights scheduled to and from Freetown International Airport have been suspended and all land borders closed until further notice." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sierra-leone/coronavirus

Sierra Leone Government announced a 3-day lockdown from 3-5 May, during which only essential businesses remained open. http://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200507-covid-19-cases-in-sierra-leone-more-than-double-in-one-week-coronavirus-contact-tracing

Lockdown announced from 3-5 May, public gatherings are banned, people are required to stay at home. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/338251/sierra-leone-three-day-lockdown-to-be-introduced-from-may-3-update-8

Lockdown announced from 3-5 May, public gatherings are banned, people are required to stay at home. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/338251/sierra-leone-three-day-lockdown-to-be-introduced-from-may-3-update-8

Lockdown announced from 3-5 May, public gatherings are banned, people are required to stay at home. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/338251/sierra-leone-three-day-lockdown-to-be-introduced-from-may-3-update-8

After the end of the 3-day lockdown, the situation returned to a state of partial lockdown as before. This included curfews for businesses but no required or recommended closure. http://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200507-covid-19-cases-in-sierra-leone-more-than-double-in-one-week-coronavirus-contact-tracing

Situation returns to pre-lockdown state. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/338251/sierra-leone-three-day-lockdown-to-be-introduced-from-may-3-update-8

Situation returns to pre-lockdown state. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/338251/sierra-leone-three-day-lockdown-to-be-introduced-from-may-3-update-8

As of 20th May 2020 The government is developing, in close collaboration with the International Monetary Fund and other development partners, a health response and a broader economic package of measures. On April 2, the World Bank approved a $7.5 million International Development Association (IDA) grant to support preparedness of the Sierra Leonean health system in the context of COVID-19. On April 22, the government announced its plans to include incentives for healthcare workers (including a risk allowance, life insurance and compensation for living expenses when in-field) as part of the health response under development. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

no news of school re-opening dedtected

no change announced

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no change announced since previous round

Since 3rd of June, US$ 143,000,000 Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) was approved. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/COVID-Lending-Tracker

All schools remain closed. https://www.globalgiving.org/microprojects/coronavirus-covid-19-virus-schools-closed-make/

Although there are no clear guidelines on workplace closures, the lockdown was lifted and people are required to wear masks when they leave their homes https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

All public events and gatherings remain prohibited https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

All gatherings of people more than 100 are prohibited. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

There are no clear guidelines. However the lockdown was lifted. It is assumed that public transport is now allowed. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Although the lockdown is lifted, there remain recommendations on staying at home https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

There are no recorded restrictions on internal movement after the lockdown https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

All individuals are required to quarantine for two weeks and all land borders are closed https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

This response has not been reported https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

There is a multifaceted public information campaign https://twitter.com/UmaruFofana/status/1267317255311888384

The testing capacity has been increased http://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200507-covid-19-cases-in-sierra-leone-more-than-double-in-one-week-coronavirus-contact-tracing

There is comprehensive contact tracing http://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200507-covid-19-cases-in-sierra-leone-more-than-double-in-one-week-coronavirus-contact-tracing

In an official press release dated the 26th of June 2020, The Government of Sierra Leone announced that schools would reopen on the 1st of July 2020 for students sitting for standard examinations, taking place in August and September. Schools will remain open for six weeks so that students can prepare for and do the exams. https://www.street-child.co.uk/blog/2020/7/30/bnazi1s4gaosrl99wrec4ulfp5kdvd https://reliefweb.int/report/sierra-leone/unicef-sierra-leone-covid-19-situation-report-no7-01-31-july-2020 https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/rest-of-africa/sierra-leone-to-reopen-schools-for-exams-1443172

No changes on the policy related to workplace closures as restrictions continue to ease. /web/20200716180140/ https://www.africanews.com/2020/07/10/virus-free-sierra-leone-records-covid-19-scuffles-over-quarantine-at-airport/

"countrywide gatherings of more than 100 people are banned", however, since 13th of July all mosques are open; no explicit guidelines are private gatherings. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/354016/sierra-leone-authorities-announce-easing-of-some-covid-19-measures-june-23-update-10

not sure if the government still recommends people to stay at home, but according to president's announcement on 10th of july the curfew time has been eased from 11pm to 5 pm since 13th of July. https://www.africanews.com/2020/07/10/virus-free-sierra-leone-records-covid-19-scuffles-over-quarantine-at-airport/

As of 16th of July, the policy announced on the 23rd of June by the President to lift the ban of inter-district movement is still effective. People are able to travel between districts. https://www.africanews.com/2020/07/10/virus-free-sierra-leone-records-covid-19-scuffles-over-quarantine-at-airport/

As of July 16th, the previous policy of "All flights in and out of Sierra Leone are suspended until 22 July; and land borders remain closed" is still effective. Even though on 10th of July, President Julius Maada Bio announced that Lungi International Airport will be re-opened on Wednesday, 22nd Jul 2020. https://www.africanews.com/2020/07/10/virus-free-sierra-leone-records-covid-19-scuffles-over-quarantine-at-airport/ https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sierra-leone

President said on May 28th that "e have instituted international best practices in contact tracing and surveillance". Professor Sahr Foday explained that "we made sure that the surveillance team contact trace and investigate all primary and secondary contacts, and we made attempts to actually meet all those primary contacts and obtain samples from them" –– comprehensive tracing https://www.africanews.com/2020/07/10/virus-free-sierra-leone-records-covid-19-scuffles-over-quarantine-at-airport/ https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200507-covid-19-cases-in-sierra-leone-more-than-double-in-one-week-coronavirus-contact-tracing

Since Monday 13th of July, "all mosques, churches, and other places of worship shall be open for congregation and worship" announced by the President on 10th of July on his twitter account. https://twitter.com/PresidentBio/status/1281323023711248384

Lungi International Airport opened on 22nd July. Passengers entering Sierra Leone have to have a negative covid-19 PCR test from 72 hours before entry. "Health officials will collect temperature, basic health screening data, and seat number on arrival. All passengers shall be subjected to a mandatory COVID-19 test upon arrival." https://www.afro.who.int/sites/default/files/2020-07/Sierra%20Leone%20Travel%20Advisory%20July%202020.pdf https://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/sierra-leones-lungi-international-airport-reopens-wednesday-22-july-says-president-bio/ https://statehouse.gov.sl/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Statement-by-His-Excellency-Dr-Julius-Maada-Bio-President-of-the-Republic-of-Sierra-Leone-at-the-Fourth-Press-Conference-on-Covid-19.-Freetown-State-House-23-June-2020.pdf

Schools still open for students sitting for standard examinations, but not other levels of education.

"Hundreds of arrivals who had already taken COVID-19 test in their country of departure at a cost of over $100 so as to comply with the requirement of the authorities in Sierra Leone, were also forced to pay another $80 for another COVID-19 test upon their arrival at the Lungi airport. But once arrived at the Lungi airport swabs were taken despite the authorities knowing fully well that they do not have the kits in the country to test the swabs." https://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/covid-19-test-chaos-at-sierra-leones-lungi-airport-officials-accused-of-corruption/

Partial re-opening of schools has occurred for exam students only with strict infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in place, including handwashing stations at all entry points to the schools, use of face masks and social distancing in practice, as at the 4th of August till now. Source: https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/rest-of-africa/sierra-leone-to-reopen-schools-for-exams-1443172

No recent update found on workplace closure policy

No new update. Same as before. Source: https://twitter.com/PresidentBio/status/1281323023711248384

Closed education institutions on March 31; schools will be reopened for six weeks starting July 1, for children taking final examinations. Discourage gatherings of more than 100 people. Source: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

No new update. Same as before. Source: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

No new update. Same as before. Source: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

No new update. Same as before.

No new update. Same as before. Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sierra-leone/entry-requirements

No policy found to be in place.

No new update. Same as before.

No new update. Same as before.

No new update. Same as before.

No new update.