Overview
The first confirmed cases was reported on March 17, 2020. Since early May, the authorities stopped reporting new cases. The authorities banned large gatherings (except for worship), suspended attendance to schools and educational institutions, cancelled international flights, and mandated the wearing of face masks in Dar Es Salaam.
Reopening of the economy. On May 18, 2020, the authorities lifted the suspension of international flights into and out of Tanzania. Effective June 1, 2020, the authorities allowed the opening of upper-secondary and tertiary schools and the resumption of sport activities and events. On June 29, 2020 all other educational institutions reopened. As a result, all the restrictions due to COVID-19 have been lifted by July 2020.
Official Resources
Health Emergency Number : 199
COVID-19 Restrictions
Movement Restrictions
- Is a curfew in place? No
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
Transportation Options
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
Economic Measures
Key Policy Responses as of June 3, 2021
FISCAL
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Thus far, the government spent $8.4 million specifically related to deal with the effects of COVID-19. In addition, the government has received grants and will use contingency reserve of US $ 3.2 million to fund additional health spending to mitigate the risks of the pandemic.
To support the private sector, the authorities indicated that they expedited the payment of verified expenditure arrears with priority given to the affected SMEs, paying US $ 376 million in March 2020. The government has also expanded social security schemes by US $ 32.1 million to meet the increase in withdrawals benefits for new unemployed due to COVID-19.
In addition, the government has granted VAT and customs duties exemptions to imported medical equipment and medical supplies.
MONETARY AND MACRO-FINANCIAL
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On May 12, the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) reduced the discount rate from 7 percent to 5 percent and reduced collateral haircuts requirements on government securities.
Effective June 8, the BoT Statutory Minimum Reserves requirement is reduced from 7 percent to 6 percent. In addition, the BoT will provide regulatory flexibility to banks and other financial institutions that will carry out loan restructuring operations on a case-by-case basis.
Lastly, the daily transactions limit for mobile money operators was raised from about US $ 1,300 to US $ 2,170 and the daily balance limit was raised from US $ 2,170 to US $ 4,340.
Civic Freedom Tracker
BAN ON PUBLIC GATHERINGS
The government institutes a 30-day prohibition on public gatherings, including rallies and other political gatherings. (See primary source or citation here)
Type: order
Date Introduced: 17 Mar 2020
Issue(s): Assembly
