Budget revision includes support for 1: Health package amounting to 10.2 billion AFN, including for building hospitals; 2: Social Programs totaling 14.6 billion AFN, including a wheat purchase program (1.9 billion AFN); 3: Transfers to provinces to finance COVID19 responses (1.5 billion AFN). Budget revision also include (5.2 billion AFN) for Agriculture and 1 billion AFN for short-term jobs. In Afghanistan, agriculture accounts for 64.8% of women's employment compared to 36.4% of men's.

In May, the government waived electricity bills less than Af 1,000 (US$ 13) for family residences in Kabul for two months and paid utility bills for the past two months for 50 percent of households in Kabul. The decision benefited more than 1.5 million of Kabul's residents.

The COVID-19 relief effort for Afghan comunities and households, the President’s office has named this program “Dastarkhan-e-Milli” program referring to the “national dinner cloth” used for communal dining in Afghanistan which would be reflective of the Government’s effort to build solidarity and respond to food insecurity. It was launched in July 18, 2020 to help households facing economic hardships amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first stage of the program, the government will allocate $86 million and $158 million in the second phase to provide food to people across the country. The first stage will cover over 1.7 million families in 13,000 villages across 34 provinces of the country.

The authorities have recently rolled out a relief package, amounting to 1.6 percent of GDP, to Afghan households with incomes of US$2 per day or lower (twice the national poverty line). With its broad coverage, about 90 percent of all households, the program will be near universal in scope. Households in rural areas will receive an equivalent of US$50 in essential food staples and hygiene products, while those in urban areas receive a combination of cash and in-kind equivalent of US$100, in two tranches. The new package will cover 90 percent of households. Based on the program, in the first stage, the government will allocate $86 million and then $158 million in the second phase to provide food to people across the country. On April 29, 2020, the government started providing free bread to about 2.5 million needy and poor people in Kabul, and plan to extend to other cities. According to the Ministry of Finance, the bread distribution process in the first phase cost Afs2.8 billion ($36 million), of which Afs1.15 billion ($14.8 million) was spent in Kabul.

The government announced new working hours for government and non-government organizations, alternating between even and odd weekdays, from 7 am until 1 pm. On July 12, 2020 working hours of government organizations were extended from 8 am to 4 pm, with employees alternating between even and odd workdays. Service workers between the ages of 58 and 64 will work from home.

To ease tax compliance, the government extended filing deadlines for the first and second quarter of the fiscal year by 45 days.

Under the REACH programme, households in urban areas, including female-headed households, are given a combination of cash and in-kind support equivalent to US$100. The World Bank plans to repurpose USD100 million of its Citizens’ Charter Afghanistan Project for COVID-19 relief efforts, aiming to cover 90 per cent of households under the project. In the context of the overall World Bank's COVID-19 relief response in Afghanistan, $100 million of the Citizens' Charter program resources were redeployed in May 2020 to provide emergency household assistance in the form of food/cash in CCAP participating communities.

To support the retirees during the Covid 19 pandemic, the Ministry of Finance will pay retirees’ pensions for the current fiscal year without the new biometric process on the basis of previous cards . The purpose of paying these pensions without the new biometric process is to help them deal with their problems in the current situation, since these pensions might be their only source of income. MoF transferred pensions in the following three categories: • Retirees with an annual salary of 75,000 Afghanis got 12 months’ salary, or one whole year. • Retirees with an annual salary of 75,000 to 150,000 Afghanis gott75 percent, or 9 months’ salary. • Retirees whose annual salary amounts to more than 150,000 Afghanis will get 50%, or 6 months’ salary. • The retirees whose 25% or 50% pensions remain will get it by the end of the current fiscal year .

To increase the food and nutrition security of the most vulnerable households living in drought prone rural areas and put in place building blocks for an early warning based shock responsive resilience support system with mechanisms for financing, and in case of an eligible early response financing (ERF) event, respond promptly and effectively to it.

Programme was adapted as part of the response to COVID-19: the Martyrs and Disabled Pension. The programme was expanded to cover descendants of deceased health professionals.

$280 million grant to fund the COVID-19 Relief Effort for Afghan Communities and Households (REACH) Project. The total grant amount is comprised of $155 million from IDA—the World Bank Group’s fund for the poorest countries—and will be complemented by $125 million from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), managed by the World Bank on behalf of 34 donors. The project will benefit some 2.9 million households across Afghanistan. The REACH project will complement a parallel relief effort organized under the Citizens’ Charter Afghanistan Project. Together, both will cover 90 percent of households in the country under the government’s “Dastarkhan-e-Milli” program, benefitting an estimated 4.1 million households with incomes of $2 a day or less. The program has an active concern on covering women and on ensuring that all female headed households are included.

Joint Government and United Nations efforts to develop and share COVID-19 protocols for service providers and reactivation and adaptation of referral pathways for GBV survivors.

The Ministry of Women's Affairs and the Ministry of Public Health have supported the development of a Guidance Note for Women Protection Centers operating during the COVID-19 pandemic (shelters) and another Guidance Note for Family Protection Centers, Family Guidance Centers and Women and Girl Safe Spaces operating during the COVID-19 pandemic (One-Stop Crisis Centers models).

The Ministry of Women's Affairs who is overseeing the management of shelters in Afghanistan (including Women Protection Centers) has repurposed unused spaces previously operated by Civil Society Organizations and funded by international donors, like children shelters, to host women released from prisons and some survivors of violence.

A third support package, adopted on August 13 2020, provides an additional minimum wage to public transport workers who resumed work one month after the rest of their peers. The measure, costing Lk135m, is accommodated within the existing transport budget.

Financial subsidy equal to the minimum salary of ALL 26,000 per month will be payed to certain employee categories starting from 1st April and for no longer than 3 months. This includes employees working for legal entities, sole entrepreneurs registered for CIT, or as small businesses with an annual turnover not exceeding ALL 14 million during 2019, and self-employed individuals. The applications for the grants are made online and then decisions are made on case by case basis.

Council of Ministers Decision No 13, date 22.4.2020, ‘On amendments to Council of Ministers Decision No. 305, date 16.4.2020, ‘On the procedures for the financial support to the actual employees and the unemployed due to COVID-19’. These decisions provide: - A lump sum amount of 40.000 ALL for every employee of the Ballsh Refinery and; - Economic assistance of 16.000 ALL per person for all the applicants for economic assistance (NE) since July 2019 who have not received any economic assistance as of April 2020.

Council of Ministers Decision No 236, dated 19.3.2020, ‘On providing home assistance to persons in need during the COVID-19 epidemic’ establishes additional responsibilities to government institutions to ensure home delivery to the persons in need (elderly, disabilities, recipients of economic assistance etc.) of food, medical products and other services. Beneficiaries of this decision are people under the economic aid scheme, people with disabilities, retired persons and those who are homeless due to the earthquake last November. Women compose a considerable number of this beneficiaries.

Council of Ministers Decision No 254 date 27.3.2020 (amended) ‘On the procedures for the financial support to the employees of businesses with turnover up to 14 million ALL, economic support and unemployment benefits due to the COVID-19’ (aka first financial package). This financial package, cc. 6.4 billion ALL supports: - Businesses with annual turnover up to 14 million ALL, closed down as a result of the imposed restrictions on businesses (closed down): - All the employees in these businesses received a payment equal to the minimal wage (26 thousands ALL) over the duration of restrictions. Individuals with annual personal income over 2 million ALL are not eligible to receive such support.

Council of Ministers Decision No 263, dated 30.3.2020, ‘On indexing of pensions’ increases pensions by 2.3 percent and establishs new limits –a minimum cc 14 thousands ALL and a maximum cc 28 thousands ALL (per month), plus compensations for lower levels. Estimated budget impact is cc 2.1 billion.

Council of Ministers Decision No. 305 ‘On the procedures for the financial support to the actual employees and the unemployed due to COVID-19’ (aka second financial package) dated 16.4.2020, provided a financial package of 7 billion ALL, to support: - 40.000 ALL lump sum for all the employees (formally employed at the time) in enterprises with annual turnover higher than 14 million that have been closed due to government restrictions. - 40.000 ALL lump sum for all the employees (formally employed at the time) in enterprises with annual turnover up to 14 million, allowed to operate by the government restrictions, with the exception of certain activities (lawyers, notaries, food industry, pharmaceuticals, etc.) and a - 40.000 ALL lump sum for all the employees (formally employed at the time) in all accommodation structures active at the start of the emergency.

Decision No. 58 date 26.3.2020 of the Energy Regulatory Authority, provides relaxed and exceptional procedures on metering the consumed electricity during the COVID-19 emergency.

Government established a protocol on the Functioning of Public and Non-Public, Non-Residential Centers, Providing Services for Persons with Disabilities, during and after the Natural Disaster Period, until the end of the physical / social distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Normative Act No.3, dated 15.3.2020, ‘On special administrative measures during the COVID-19 infection period’ allows individuals, businesses (up to 14 million ALL turnover) and students to postpone property, premises, or house rental payments for the months of April and May 2020.

As part of Albania Anti-COVID-19 Financial Package, recipients of Ndihma Economike (flagship cash transfer program) will receive double the amount of the programs benefit. The program targets parents with two children and households where mothers are primary recipients. Other eligible groups: include, unemployed orphans over 25 years of age not living in residential institutions and not in foster care, orphans between 18 and 25 years of age not living in social services institutions and not in care or under guardianship, victims of trafficking, and victims of domestic violence.

Self-employed families will receive a special benefit equivalent to a state-set monthly salary.

To support firms with liquidity, the Government of Albania issued the first loan guarantee in the amount of ALL 11.0 billion (approx. USD 100 million), to be allocated by banks to companies that have difficulties in paying employee salaries. Interest rate costs are fully covered by the government, and no collateral is required from the companies. The loan will cover employee salaries for a 3-month period, not exceeding a monthly salary of ALL 150,000 per worker. All sectors of the economy are eligible, with the exception of telecommunications, food retail, and pharmaceuticals.

Loan installments payments were postponed to May 31st 2020 as per the joint Order of the Government of Albania and the National Bank of Albania. (Prot No. 1650 dt 17.03.2020).

Through the Council of Ministers Decision No 254, amended on March 27th 2020, ‘On the procedures for the financial support to the employees of businesses with turnover up to 14 million ALL, economic support and unemployment benefits due to the Covid-19’ the government introduced part of the financial package of $6.4 billion ALL to support businesses who were imposed to close down. This included receiving a payment equal to the minimal wage (26,000 ALL) per employee. Individuals with annual personal income over 2 million ALL were not eligible to receive such support.

40.000 ALL lump sum to dismissed employees during the period until April 10th (starting from the time the restrictions applied) in enterprises allowed to operate by the government restrictions.

The 2021 budget adopted by parliament on November 16th 2020 allocated Lek 2.5billion to a temporary increase in the payments for unemployment benefits.

In September 2020, the government launched an employment promotion program, that aims to cover part of reemployment costs of those who lost their jobs during the lockdown. For formal sector employees the government will cover half of the wages (at the legal minimum level) and the full employers’ share of social contributions for the duration of the program (4 or 8 months).

The 2021 budget adopted by parliament on November 16th 2020 Lek 4.5 billion for wage increases for doctors and nurses.

The Government of Albania approved a 2nd Anti-COVID-19 Financial Package of 70,4 million USD on April 13, 2020. 176,000 workers received a payment of 400 USD: 66,000 employees from big businesses, 100,000 employees from small businesses and 10,000 employees from the tourism sector.

The Normative Act Nr. 2, March 11th 2020, "On Some changes to the Law No. 15 on The Prevention and Combatting of the Infections and Infective Diseases" provided for new penalties on employers non complying with measures and protocols related to occupational safety and health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government adopted two support packages in 2020 for people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic of a combined size of Lek 45 billion (2.8 percent of GDP) consisting of budget spending, sovereign guarantees and tax deferrals.

Informal sector employees who lost their jobs during the lockdown, will have the full cost of social contributions (employees and employers share) covered for one year if they formalize.

The Government of Albania Anti-COVID-19 Financial Package, launched by Decision No. 6 March 21st 2020 "On Some Changes to the 2020 Budget Law No. 88/2019”, allocated part of 65 million to salaries for small business' workers.

The Government of Albania Anti-COVID-19 Financial Package, launched by Decision No. 6 March 21st 2020 "On Some Changes to the 2020 Budget Law No. 88/2019”, allocated part of 65 million to unemployment benefits for three months.

Through Law Nr March 18th 2020, the Public Administration institutions were allowed to work from 08:00 to 13:00, including teleworking for carrying out various tasks.

Through the Decision No 236, March 18th 2020, the government decided that retired persons, as well as individuals and families benefitting from various social protection public services/programs, will be provided home-based assistance (monetary assistance) by the local authorities and relevant institutions.

The Council of Minister Decision No. 85, dated 10.02.2021 “On determining the procedures, documentation and amount of the monthly economic aid and the use of additional funds of the economic aid by mitigating the effect of the COVID-19" doubled the amount of the economic aid for the cases of women which are under protection order for the first 6 months of 2021. The Decision represents a reintroduction of the Council of Ministers Decision No. 254 dated 27 March 2020 where 482 victims/survivors of domestic violence who have a protection order issued,benefited from a double payment of economic assistance (for three months, starting from 1 April), as a result of the Protection Order they have. The double payment was applied also to people under the economic aid scheme, including women head of families, of whom there are around 6,000 who benefit the economic aid.

As the responsible state authority regarding the issues of gender equality and domestic violence, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection has sent an official letter to the Ministry of Interior and Albanian State Police, requesting their support to treat very carefully, prioritize and verify all kinds of information that police can hear/receive regarding a potential domestic violence incident happening somewhere; to increase the collaboration between police and local coordinators against domestic violence employed at municipal level. For all cases assisted in this period of emergency, where there are children in a family, the Child Protection Unit in the municipality must be notified immediately. Further, Police has been proactive in contacting all individuals who filed domestic violence complaints in past months.

Data on the reported cases of violence against women to the Albanian State Police and also to the National Hotline are being constantly monitored by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

LILIUM Center, the only one-stop center for sexual violence survivors has continued providing specialized emergency services to sexual violence survivors. In addition, an internal regulation on managing urgent sexual violence cases in COVID-19 situation has been prepared by LILIUM Center. Trainings were provided to service providers to better implement the adopted measure.

On March 10 the work of all courts was suspended in Albania until the end of the pandemic. However, the suspension has not been applied to cases of domestic violence, child custody, adoption, maintenance and in some other civil and criminal cases. There were some exceptions. For example, criminal cases that were not be suspended were: flagrant arrest confirmation; reviewing of precautionary detention or house arrest; juvenile cases; urgent cases with prima facie evidence, including domestic violence cases. Public access to trials was limited. When possible, trials were conducted through audio and visual aids. Further, the Ministry of Justice extended the protection orders for women whose protection order was expired, and tried to involve other courts on providing protection orders in places where the court was not operational.

The government, in collaboration with UN Agencies, has supported the development of protocols to standardize the actions needed to be performed by all Coordinated Referral Mechanism (CRM) members at local level to ensure an immediate, coordinated, comprehensive and accountable response, in accordance with the competencies and legal duties as foreseen in the recently amended Domestic Violence Law, to adequately protect Domestic Violence survivors and provide specialized support services as per the case. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has sent a letter to Local Coordinators against Domestic Violence in the 61 municipalities of the country to remind them of their key duties and responsibilities regarding the treatment of Domestic Violence cases with high priority, especially now, during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. The Ministry has also sent an official letter to the Ministry of Interior and the Albanian State Police, requesting their support in putting in place a set of measures to respond to cases of domestic violence.

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has approved a “Protocol on the functioning of public and non-public residential centres providing housing services for victims/survivors of domestic violence and for victims/survivors of trafficking in the COVID-19 pandemic situation”. The protocol is approved with Order of Minister of Health and Social Protection no. 254, date 10 April 2020. The aim of this Protocol is to assist the service providers (shelters) to function as effectively as possible in accordance with the restrictions due to COVID-19 preventive measures. It provides the needed guidelines related to the necessary services for victims/survivors of domestic violence and trafficking without compromising their health and lives or the lives of shelter residents, their families and community in general. Following the issuance of the protocol, UN Women and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection organised an online training session attended by 37 public and non-public service providers for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking from across the country.

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection produced a video to raise awareness on violence against women during the COVID-19 health crisis, calling on those who witness or experience domestic abuse to report to the National Hotline 116 117 or the Police 129. The video was released on 27 April 2020, generating an extensive public discussion on social platforms and was broadcasted by the Albanian Public TV. The video has been viewed more than 400,000 times on social media. It is narrated in Albanian, with sign-language provided to ensure greater reach among people with hearing disabilities, as well as English subtitles. In addition, practical and user-friendly info sheets with phone numbers to report and seek help are shared by a number of municipalities on their social media channels. Around 60,000 people have been reached through social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).

The National Hotline has continued to offer 24 hour services during the lockdown period and reports showed an increased number of reporting. The line provides counseling online through social media.

A Protocol for Coordinated Referral Mechanisms of Domestic Violence Cases (CRMs) was adopted to better liaise members and professionals involved in the management of sexual violence cases at local level through a coordinated multisectoral approach.

Albania’s government set up a guarantee fund of 11 billion leks or loans to businesses negatively impacted by the government's measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease. They provide credit risk mitigation. This is a credit guarantee scheme (CGS) to address market failures and imperfections in the MSME credit market. They provide credit risk mitigations to lenders with the objective of increasing access to credit for enterprises. This is anew public CGS in Albania designed due to the pandemic. This aims to facilitate access to loans for COVID-19 affected enterprises to pay employee’s wages for up to 3 months. The interest rate is capped at 2.85 (subsidized by the Government), with a maturity of up to 2 years and a coverage ratio of 100 percent. Target are all private companies (no sector specifics) affected by the COVID-19 situation. Banks can claim guarantee 120 calendar days of the first day of default. This portfolio scheme is intermediated by banks.

An executive decree on Sunday, 22 March 2020, brought a series of so-called exceptional measures, applicable to the entire national territory for a period of fourteen (14) days. Under the terms of the said decree, at least 50% of the staff of each institution and public administration shall be placed on exceptional paid leave for the aforementioned period. Exceptional paid leave is granted for all working mothers without exception. Pregnant women and women raising children are also priority for this leave. The measure was then extended to both public and private sector employees by the executive Decree of 24 March 2020.

To reduce exposition risk for elderlies, a proxy letter can be delivered to another person to receive pensions/benefits in place of the beneficiary (for retirees, old persons receiving cash transfers, etc.).

Expanded coverage of social security to deliveries in private maternal health facilities. (permanent)

On 13 April, 2020, it was announced that a transfer of 10,000 DZD (around 80 USD), as a top-up of the 6,000 DZD (47 USD) would be provided to families in need that have been impacted by the measures against COVID-19 as a ‘solidarity transfer’ (or basket) before Ramadan. A financial envelope of 1,393 billion DZD (12 million EUR), will be deposited into the postal accounts of families through community-based targeting. As of 27 May, 2020, some 135,687 out of the planned 322,000 beneficiaries had received the cash assistance.

The National Social Insurance fund (CNAS) has extended the deadline for the payment of employers and independent contributions until the end of May and September, respectively, while still covering paid leave and unemployment benefits for some. Penalties from previous late payments not made on time have also been suspended for six months starting from April 2020.

Nationwide in-kind distribution campaign of food and hygiene items to the most vulnerable families, including those living in isolated areas and impacted by the lockdown. This distribution is being carried out, for the most vulnerable regions, through a ‘solidarity caravan’

The national minimum wage will be raised from 18,000 DZD (139 USD) to 20,000 DZD (155 USD)

Waiver of a need for a medical revision check-up for disability pensions and pensions for accidents at work. The need for a medical revision check-up for this benefit has been waived, in order to allow beneficiaries to respect lockdown measures.

Bonus payment to public workers in the health sector, mobilized within the framework of the prevention and the fight against the spread of the coronavirus. (16.5bn dinars). The premium is paid monthly in lump sums ranging from 10,000 DA for the benefit of administrative and support staff, 20,000 DA for paramedical staff and 40,000 DA for medical staff. It is served for a renewable period of three (3) months. This measure began in February 15, 2020. In Algeria, women comprise slightly more than 60% of the workers employed in the healthcare sector.

Anticipation of annual holiday payments by the Caisse Nationale des Congés Payés et du Chômage intempéries des secteurs du BTPH (CACOBATPH), in proportion to the number of months contributed during the period from July 2019 to February 2020.

National Pension Fund will start compensation for Covid-19 analyzes and tests. The government will support pharmacies in order to sell the generic medicine with a view to encouraging its use. The compensation, beginning in January 2021, for the scanner will stand at 5000 dinars and 3000 dinars for PCR.

In response to the economic impact on households and enterprises of the lockdown measures in 2020, the authorities postponed the declaration and payments of income taxes for individuals and enterprises. Further contractual deadlines were relaxed and penalties for companies that experience delays in completing public contracts were suspended.

A decree inter-ministerial modifies the functioning of the fund for development and competitiveness of SMEs, establishing as eligible costs operating costs as well as a percentage of investment costs. This establishes a new budget for this fund which supports SMEs in the context of the pandemic.

A supplementary finance law (SFL) enacted on June 4, 2020 included provisions amounting to 70 billion DZD to mitigate the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. For the health sector, this included 3.7 billion DZD for medical supplies, 16.5 billion DZD for bonus payments to health workers, and 8.9 billion DZD for the health sector's development. For the economic impact, the law included 20 billion DZD for allowances to the unemployed and 11.5 billion DZD for transfers to poor households. 11% of women in Algeria are employed in the healthcare sector, compared to only 2% of men.

Government employees making $50,000 or less a year will be entitled to overtime pay for work outside of their usual 40-hours per week for work involving the coronavirus declaration.

State of Emergency has been amended (1/6/2020), all government workers can return to full working hours. Businesses will only be allowed to trade between 5am-9pm, with some exceptions.

American Samoa's governor has ordered cut hours and pay to be restored for government employees stranded off island because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

American Samoans received USD 24 million in stimulus from the US Government. The money would cover 9,300 taxpayers and their qualified dependents who filed their 2019 taxes up to May 13. Single filers will receive $1,200. Couples who file jointly will get double that plus $500 for every child under their care.

The Department of Health was supplying 45,000 face masks for students.

In accordance with ASCA § 26.0I0S(g)(I), the restrictions on "Hazard Pay" in ASAC §4.041 l(b) are suspended. The Director of Department of Human Resources is tasked with developing a policy to compensate medical personnel, first responders, and all ASG employees that face increased risk and exposure associated with their duties. Women's share of employment in the health and social sector is 60%.

In accordance with ASCA § 26.0IOS(g)(l), the maximum grant of four (4) hours for "Excused Absences" in ASCA § 4.05 I l(a)( 10) is suspended. The Director of Department of Human Resources is tasked with developing a policy to compensate all ASG personnel that are under quarantine or unable to attend work for reasons related to the restrictions imposed.

Led by the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, and with the support of UN Women through the Spotlight initiative, a community engagement drive was mobilized to educate women and girls. The initiative was focused on rural areas, and provided information on ‘what to do’ and ‘where to go for help’ in domestic and intimate partner violence situations. The drive aimed to motivate a ‘whole of community’ commitment to end violence against women and girls by raising awareness about GBV among women, girls, their communities by providing posters, children’s games, pamphlets and a small booklet. Helpline numbers from Samoa’s GBV frontline service providers, including how to access psychosocial support, were distributed as well as highlighting key information on the impact on women and girls in times of COVID-19. So far, four hundred women and girls in Savai’i were reached through this initiative.

The government introduced prophylactic/care leave: workers with children can have access to paid leave while the educational and extracurricular leisure centers are closed.

Payment of 75 percent of the salary to workers under temporary suspension of contract (€31.7 million).

Extraordinary benefit for self-employed workers affected by economic activity suspension (€8.6 million).

The government relaxed the requirements to access unemployment benefits and rental housing aid for individuals whose economic and social situation worsened due to the health crisis.

On December 16th 2020, the government created a new temporary and exceptional involuntary unemployment benefit to support Andorran workers directly affected by the delayed opening of the ski stations. 65 applications were received, amounting to €45,515 in December. The benefit will remain in place until the affected companies are able to resume their normal activities in the 2020-21 ski season.

The Andorran government approved a legislative moratorium on April 18th 2020 to provide a repayment relief of personal loans and an extension of mortgages repayment until December 31st 2020, to households and businesses affected by the pandemic. The new terms of repayment should be agreed with the bank.

Social security contributions were introduced for workers who were temporarily laid off due to the pandemic (€3.4 million). Self-employed can also benefit from a 50% reduction in social security contribution, or even suspension (in which case the Government assumes 10% of the contribution to the general branch).

On June 11th, 2020, the Andorran Banking Association (ABA) adopted non-legislative sector-wide moratorium to provide repayment relief to households, for 6-12 months depending upon the types of loan and borrower. This private moratorium scheme complements the one approved by the government, and cannot be applied simultaneously. In mid-December 2020, ABA extended the application deadline until March 31st 2021.

In 2020, the government provided two packages of government guarantees for new bank loans to businesses, in which the government also takes on the interest payments. The second package covered the payment of the share of benefits associated with the temporary suspension of contracts.

The Ministry of Social Affairs, Housing and Youth has enabled a new phone number to attend, through WhatsApp, survivors of gender violence. At the number +376 606181 people who are suffering from this situation can contact a professional from the Service for the Care of Victims of Gender Violence through a text message from this application, which works 24 hours a day and free of charge. .

The Government's campaign for November 25 2020 consists of the manufacture and distribution of 500 masks for adults and 250 for children in purple with the white bow, a symbol used to raise awareness for GBV. In addition, the government produced a video in which different professionals from fields likely to detect and intervene in cases of violence speak about gender violence.

In 2020, 156 financial aids have been granted to women survivors of violence for a total amount of 159,069.85 euros to cover basic needs, extracurricular activities and nursery schools or to ensure the recovery process, among others.

The Minister of Social Affairs, Housing and Youth and the Head of Equality Policies reported that awareness-raising, training and prevention initiatives against violence against women had intensified in 2020 with the adoption of the Awareness Plan for gender equality in schools, the Protocol of action of the association Acció Feminista in the care of the gender and domestic violence, and the Protocol for the Prevention and Action of the Commons in Cases of Gender and Domestic Violence. In addition, an agreement has been signed this year between the University of Andorra and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Housing and Youth for the basic training and qualification of professionals involved in gender violence. The groups that are part of it are the Police Force, the Andorran Health Care Service (SAAS), the seven Communes, the Official College of Psychologists of Andorra and the Bar Association of Andorra. In these workshops, which began on November 3, 2020 and will end on February 2, 2021, 210 professionals will be trained.

As part of a package of social protection responses, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Family, and Women’s Promotion (MASFAMU) announced that the Child Grant implemented in Bie, Moxico, and Uige provinces will be topped up (from 3000 to 5000 Kwanzas, or approximately 6 USD to 10 USD monthly) and a double payment will be made. The program has already benefited 11,473 children under the age of five, in a total of 6,325 families. The government has also adapted the payment procedures to ensure adequate sanitation and worker protection during the transfers. The project targets the child's caregiver; 98% of recipients are women.

In order to alleviate family financial expenses and obligations, a 180-day moratorium is granted to families that have difficulties in paying their home's IPU, as well as their electricity and water supply bills.

The Angola Strengthening the National Social Protection System (Cash Transfer) Project supports the cash transfer program “Kwenda.” The first phase of the cash program started in May 2020 to provide temporary income support to poor and vulnerable families, including those affected by the economic crisis. The program aims to reach 1.6 million families in the country with a benefit amount of 25,500 kz quarterly per family for one year.

The provincial Government of Luanda is implementing an emergency cash transfer programme in Luanda province. The benefit of 5000 Kwanzas (10 USD) monthly per child is being implemented using mobile payments. The program aims to benefit 1,000 children under the age of five. The program has reached 1,400 children (aged up to 5 years old) of 800 households.

To guarantee the consumption of food in the basic basket for the most vulnerable families, the Ministry of Social Action, Family and Promotion of Women, the Ministry of Commerce and the Provincial Governments develop campaigns to distribute goods in the basic basket to the most vulnerable populations, with emphasis on supporting more than 17,000 children.

To safeguard jobs and ensure the payment of wages, companies with difficulties in making the payment of wages for April may resort to the financing of subsidized wages through the liquidity line created by the National Bank of Angola.

The Ministry of Public Administration, Labor and Security Social Affairs and the Ministry of Finance / AGT promote a program of professional internships, after the recovery phase of the economic activity and after the assessment of the state of emergency. This includes providing tax incentives for deduction of the taxable amount to employers who hire a minimum number of 10 interns for a minimum period of 2 years.

Free legal aid for survivors of domestic violence was provided to 2000 families from 3 municipalities in Luanda Province – this resulted from collaboration between UNDP with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Family and Women's Promotion (MASFAMU) and the local academy.

Two helplines (145 and 146) were launched by the Minister of Social Action, Family and Women's Promotion on May 21, 2020 to support victims/survivors of Domestic Violence. These helplines are also used to advise and support other vulnerable groups.

According to the Ruling no. 19/GACA/DSA/AGT/2020, of 27 Mach 2020, issued by the Tax Authorities, establishes the exemption from VAT, customs duties and from any other fee due for any supply of services, on the import of goods intended to prevent and contain the expansion of COVID-19. Imported goods, as well as those produced in Angola, donated for the prevention and expansion of COVID-19, are considered as a deductible cost for the purposes of Industrial Tax. The quantities and type of goods donated shall be registered, as well as the respective beneficiaries.

448 billion AOA was approved by the Economic Commission of the Council of Ministers, to finance the minimum maintenance of the activity level of the micro, small and medium companies of the country’s productive sector. The Angolan government seeks to contain the economic effects caused by the pandemic and the sharp reduction in the price of the oil barrel. This measure provides tax relief and relief in the payment of wages. The first will be done by extending the deadlines for its settlement, while the second, by deferring the payment of the social security contribution. The measure will be implemented from July to December 2020.

Postponement of the removal of fuel subsidies for another financial year, in an attempt to promote the oil sector amidst declining demand due to COVID-19. The parliament of Angola has adopted legislation which will grant tax benefits (a deduction of investment premiums on tax on income from oil) to specific oil blocks in the country.

Strengthening of the capitalisation of the Credit Guarantee Fund with the purposes of backing loans provided by commercial banks with the objective of policy diversification of national production and promotion of business activity in the current context of the outbreak. The Credit Support Project (CSP) and the National Bank of Angola will be granting the credits. The program is managed by the Ministry of Economy and Planning and included in the Program of Production Support, Export, Diversification and Import Substitution (PRODESI). The measure will last until the funds end.

FADA Line: Credit line of 26.4 billion AOA provided by FADA (Fundo de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Agrário) to finance family agribusiness. Agriculture employs 56% of women in Angola, compared to only 44% of men.

Support lines to agricultural sector: BDA Line I: Credit line of 15 billion AOA made available by the BDA to finance the purchase of commercial operators and distribution to national producers of referenced products. - BDA Line II: Credit line of 13.5 billion AOA granted by the BDA to finance purchases by family farmers' cooperatives and small and medium-sized agribusiness entrepreneurs from national suppliers of improved seeds of cereals, vegetables and tubers, fertilizers, pesticides, and vaccines, and providers of agricultural soil preparation and correction services, prioritizing products made in Angola. - BDA Line III: Credit line of 750 million AOA granted by the BDA to finance projects (up to 50 million AOA) to modernize and expand the activities of up to 15 cooperatives for each province, in the agriculture and fishery sectors. Agriculture employs 56% of women in Angola, compared to only 44% of men.

Support for the capitalization of cooperative companies in the primary sector: Support in the amount of 4 billion AOA made available by FACRA to make investments in the equity of agricultural, livestock and fisheries cooperatives, participating in the payment of the share of equity required under the loans granted by the BDA. Agriculture employs 56% of women in Angola, compared to only 44% of men.

Under the Budget 2021 (national law 42/20) the Corporate Income Tax withholding rate on the overall value of accidental services provided by taxpayers without head office, effective management or permanent establishment in Angola, to oil operators, is reduced to 6.5% during the fiscal year of 2021.

Establishment of a liquidity line of 100 million AOA so that commercial banks can advance the payroll for the month of April 2020 to private sector companies that face difficulties in paying the salary for that month. The repayment of the financing will be made throughout 2020.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts have been made to move street children into reception centers and provisional emergency centers.

For those that do not qualify for the Unemployment Benefit offered by the social security system, the Government provided direct financial support of up to XCD $800 (US$296) per month. In order to be beneficiary, people need to fulfill one of the followings: 1) Be unemployed, either temporarily or permanently laid off, as a result of COVID-19 after February 1st, 2020; 2) Be underemployed as a result of COVID-19 after February 1st, 2020, with a wage less than XCD $800 a month; or 3) Closed business or having an earning less than XCD $800 as a result of COVID-19 after February 1st, 2020. Payments were made directly to bank accounts and first payments were scheduled to reach accounts on or before May 15th 2020. Unemployed persons received payments of XCD $800 for the period during which they remain unemployed up to a period of three months, if their previous monthly earnings were XCD $ 800 or more. Persons who earned less than XCD $ 800 received XCD $800. Underemployed persons received the difference between their current earnings and their pre-COVID 19 monthly earnings up to a maximum of XCD $800 (i.e. an earnings top-up) for the period during which they remain underemployed up to a period of three months.

The Water Corporation of Anguilla (WCA) has delayed disconnection for people who have defaulted on their bills. WCA is extending payment plan options to individuals who may have challenges making bill payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. This measure was extended until January 15th 2021.

The National Commercial Bank of Anguilla (NCBA) implemented a moratorium on loan repayments for an initial period of three (3) months, with the possibility of an additional three (3) month extension to be granted. The moratorium was offered to both individual and commercial customers affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Reintroduction of a temporary unemployment benefit to cater to the unemployed and underemployed through the social security system. The temporary unemployment assistance benefit through the Social Security Board will provide financial assistance of up to EC $1,000.00 (US$ 370) per month, to contributors to the fund whose jobs and wages have been severely impacted by the pandemic. All payments were sent directly to the bank accounts provided at the moment of application. The first payment was made on April 30th, 2020. The benefit was extended until March 31st 2021.

The government introduced a maximum price regime for goods (sold by retail or wholesale) including, but not restricted to, items for sanitizing and disinfecting hands and surfaces as recommended by the Ministry of Health. Penalties up to $25,000 or to imprisonment up to 2 years were suggested in case of breach.

In preparation for Phase Two reopening, the government have offered free training courses to over 500 tourism employers – from housekeepers to ground transportation and charter boat operators from November 2020 onwards.

On March 27, the government announced that relief packages will be made available to single-parent (mostly single-mothers) and no-income households, with further details of that package to be disclosed.

Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) ceased all disconnections of APUA water and electricity to households for 3 months, re-connected customers who have been disconnected, and reduced by 20% the cost of electricity to households for a period of 3 months (April, May, June 2020). In June 2020, APUA decided to increase the discount up to 25%. The suspension of disconnections of water , and electricity accounts has been extended until late September and the reduction in the electricity bills, currently at 15 percent, has been extended until November 2020.

Through the Pandemic Relief Barrel Initiative barrels containing foodstuff and sanitizing materials were allowed to enter Antigua and Barbuda from April 1st 2020 until June 30th 2020, without having any duties and other taxes imposed, except for a $10.00 processing fee and the Revenue Recovery Charge calculated at 10% of the value of the items.

Temporary removal of Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) on antiseptics, wipes, sanitizers, toilet paper and paper towels, aloe vera gel, and vitamins were introduced to keep items affordable for consumers and mitigate disease spread. The removal of the 15 percent tax would allow these items to be purchased at an affordable price so that consumers can play their part to mitigate the spread of the virus.

The Ministry of Social Transformation provided relief packages of food and medication to elderly living alone, persons with disabilities, and unemployed adults with children. Through the Emergency Food Assistance Programme, the government provided for the well-being of the elderly, disabled, single mothers, and other needy persons. Between April to December 2020: 50,664 packages were delivered and several thousand persons benefitted from this programme by January 2021.

The government provided food vouchers distribution to unemployed persons (who can prove unemployment from 31st January 2020 due to COVID-19) with children. Redeemable at supermarkets. In June 2020 the government announced it would increase program. This enabled recipients to purchase other essential items they needed which were not initially included in the packages. Vouchers ranged from EC $150 to EC $250 (USD $56 – USD $93). Between April and December 2020, the government distributed $1,250,000 worth of vouchers under the Government Voucher Programme.

The government decided to pay salaries to workers of an air transport company in July 2020. The initiative was aimed at restructuring and recapitalizing the company (EC $3 million – USD $1.1 million).

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and ECCU Bankers Association agreed on a loan repayment moratorium support programme to be implemented by all member banks in the ECCU. The programme will facilitate a loan repayment moratorium for an initial period of up to six (6) months with a possible extension upon review. In addition to the deferral of loan repayments, a waiver of late fees and charges will be applicable to eligible customers during this period. Later this measure was extended for another 6 months.

National Student Loan Fund removed all late fees and penalties for students who are able to demonstrate their inability to service their loans.

From May 25 2020, the National School Meals programme provided lunches for teachers and students involved in preparation for CSEC examinations.

Extension of deadline to July 31st 2020 for filing of claims under the Medical Benefits Scheme for receipts between January to April 2020.

In June 2020 the Board of Guardian and Petro Caribe provided one-off cash support to the vulnerable through cash and food grant programmes operated by the Ministry of Social Transformation, Human Resource Development and the Blue Economy.

The government offered scholarships to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fourth Landed Campus to nationals who once worked for an air transport company, in order to enable them to re-tool.

Through the amendment of the Labor Code Cap 17, business owners were encouraged to prevent layoffs and termination by adopting austerity measures such as reduction in working hours and/or days worked, resort to temporary termination for up to three months.

The government committed to not laying off public service workers in dealing with the economic fallout from the crisis.

Industry-specific guidelines have been put forth in some cases e.g. by the Fisheries Division for the fishing industry, by the Central Board of Health for the reopening of barbershops, beauty shops and nail salons. Barbers, beauty salons, nail salons will all require a certificate from the Ministry of Health indicating that the establishment has been examined and is approved for operation. It is to be placed in a prominent place for examination by customers and Health Inspection Officers.

By June 2020, the Ministry of Health introduced health and safety protocols to business sectors, including food services, fitness centers, casinos, public transportation.