Overview

The State of Eritrea reported its first positive COVID-19 case to the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 21, 2020. As of May 16, all 39 confirmed cases have recovered fully. The government imposed a 21-day national lockdown effective from April 2, which was extended without a timeframe on April 22. All citizens are compelled to stay at home except for those engaged in indispensable developmental and security tasks. All trading activities and transactions are banned during this period except in major productive and service sectors (manufacturing, food processing, construction, trucking etc.) which will continue their functions. Food production, supply and processing enterprises as well as grocery stores, pharmacies and banks will continue to provide services but must close at 8:00 pm every evening. All government institutions stopped routine services and functions to focus on indispensable developmental and security tasks. Except for citizens employed in institutions that will continue their functions, all other individuals confined to their homes are not allowed to use their private cars during this period. Meanwhile, to gauge the spread of COVID-19 in the country, the first phase of the random and extensive testing was carried out in several sections of Asmara on May 17. Towns and villages in border areas, as well as front-line employees in the Ministry of Health and other relevant institutions will also be part and parcel of this first phase testing.