Overview
The pandemic in Comoros did not initially turn into a deep health crisis with only seven deaths being officially reported between the reporting of the first on May 1 and the end of 2020. A new wave began in December 2020 and cases rapidly increased during January 2021. The presence of the new and more transmissible strain originally found in South Africa was confirmed in Comoros. A peak in cases was reached on January 20, before quite rapidly decreasing in response to the government response. As of June 3, there were 37 cases and 0 deaths in the past month. The COVID-19 shock came less than a year after Cyclone Kenneth, which necessitated emergency Fund financial support. Remittances through exchange houses increased throughout the months of lockdown.
Reopening of the economy. Following the second wave, the economy had gradually started to reopen. There continues to be a prohibition on wedding ceremonies, as well as all religious and cultural gatherings, and mosques remain closer. There is a curfew from 8pm-5am, markets close every day after 4pm. However, schools and universities are now reopened and the airport is open to visitors with a negative test within the last 72 hours. The authorities have prepared a public-health related plan that describes the measures to be taken to minimize risks from pandemics. Implementation of the plan appears to be proceeding slowly, however, reflecting the authorities’ severe financial and capacity constraints. The country has received 100,000 doses of the Chinese vaccine and distribution has begun. They are also likely to receive 20% vaccine coverage by the end of 2021 through the COVAX initiative, but may also receive vaccines through other channels (to be confirmed). The World Bank is in the process of mobilizing approximately $20 million to support the purchase and distribution of vaccines in the country. The WHO ranks the health system’s preparedness at the lowest level in international comparison.