Following a swift increase in COVID-19 cases, the President declared a State of Emergency and ordered the Government to enact exceptional public health, economic and social measures. The measures adopted include:

Mandatory lockdown of the Greater Libreville area from 13 April onwards for a 14-day period, which can be renewed

• Residents are forbidden from leaving their homes except for grocery shopping and other specific essential tasks within their neighborhood, and can be subject to a fine of up to 5 million XAF and an imprisonment term of up to 10 years for violation of this measure. 
• Employees of State institutions and companies which are part of a list issued by the Government and are deemed to be carrying out essential services may travel within the Greater Libreville area subject to obtaining a laissez-passer. Petroleum production, transportation and distribution services are listed as essential.

Measures aimed at employees

• Order no. 0052/MEFPTFPDS of 10 April 2020 establishes a temporary redundancy allowance for employees impacted by the lockdown measures, amounting to 50% to 70% of the employee’s gross salary excluding allowances or bonuses. This allowance will only be available during the lockdown period to companies not deemed to be carrying out essential services.  Applications can be filed by email. Salaries of less than 150,000 XAF must be fully paid up. 
• The following exceptional adjustments to working hours and conditions are now authorized:
  • Remote working, rotational work and reduction of working hours.
  • Putting personnel on anticipated paid leave.
  • Post-COVID recuperation of employees’ lost working hours by  the employer.

Suspension of rents

• Tenants will not be evicted during the State of Emergency and are entitled to an allowance of up to 250,000 XAF. Applications can be made via email.

Urgent financing and moratorium on debt

• Fiscally compliant small-sized enterprises (or large-sized enterprises upon the approval of the Minister of Economy) which commit to maintaining their staff during the COVID-19 crisis are entitled to bank loans at advantageous rates to cover eligible expenses (salaries, rents, water and electricity bills). These companies can also request a moratorium on their loan repayments directly to the bank.

Establishment of a Tax Counter

• Companies can request a reduction of specific taxes and exemptions on some payroll taxes.

Social and public health measures

• Clients of the National Electricity and Water Company can receive up to 15,000 XAF worth of water and 20,000 XAF worth of electricity per month.
• Pursuant to Decree no. 00096/PR/MUGS, 680 prisoners have been granted a presidential pardon and released. By instruction of the Minister of Justice, another 67 prisoners awaiting trial have been released. 
• A Solidarity Fund and food bank has been established. 
• Mass testing of the population shall begin.

Should you wish to receive additional information on this alert, please contact:
[email protected]