What happened?

On the 14th of April 2020, the Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, signed an order (the “Order”) extending the validity of the Presidential Decree No. 42/2020 dated 31st of March, which declared a State of Health Alert in Equatorial Guinea (the “Decree”).

The Order came into force by virtue of the provisions of article 2 of the Decree, which provided for an extension of the validity of the said decree from the initial thirty (30) days, to another fifteen (15) days in case the situation did not improve. This occurred partly in response to the new cases of contamination recently registered in the country, brining the total to 51.

Summary of the measures in the order?

• The districts of the insular region (the island of Bioko) will be in total isolation until the 30th of April 2020.
• Citizens are required to obtain a certificate from their employer and/or a certificate from the President of the Neighbourhood Community to leave their houses.
• SEGESA (the electricity company) has been ordered to ensure that power cuts do not occur during this period.
• All restaurants and bars are closed and may only provide delivery services.
• Pilots onboard any freight cargo air-crafts that need to disembark in Malabo should be tested for COVID-19.
• The crews in ships travelling between Douala and Malabo are forbidden from going ashore.
• Patients with symptoms of fever, cough and respiratory distress should be transferred to selected hospitals.

Does my company have to take any action?

Ensure Compliance

Companies and their employees may be held liable for non-compliance with the provisions of the Order.

Issue Certificates (Credenciales) to Employees

Issue a certificate (credencial) to your company’s employees and ensure contractors provide the same to their employees that provide services in your installations.

President of the Neighbourhood Community

HR should consider assisting employees, particularly expatriate employees, to obtain the certificate issued by the President of the Neighbourhood where they reside.

Gloves and Masks

Ensure all personnel wear masks and gloves at all times.

Monitoring Developments

Continue to closely monitor changes in the applicable rules and regulations and continue following the guidelines and recommendations made by the Government and Health Authorities.

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