The first recorded cases of COVID 19 in São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) emerged on April 6, 2020. Since then, the Government has implemented strict measures to contain the spread of the virus. In addition, the closure of air space has drastically reduced air transport activities, making it difficult to carry out one of the most important activities in the country, which is Hotel and Catering (Tourism) as well as non-food trade activities.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic and social impacts on families have created an urgent need for up-to-date data to help monitor and mitigate the impacts of the crisis and protect the well-being of the least favored in STP society. To monitor how the COVID-19 pandemic affects STP’s economy and population and to substantiate response policies with data, the National Statistical Institute (INE), with technical support from the World Bank, has designed and conducted a telephone Household Monitoring Survey (HMS). With support from the United Nations, the survey was expanded to include a questionnaire aimed at informal businesses.