The COVID-19 pandemic in Andorra is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The virus was confirmed to have reached Andorra on 2 March 2020, when a 20-year-old man returned to the country from Milan, Italy. With a total population of 77,543 on 26 April, the infection rate was 1 case per 105 inhabitants and the death rate was 1 case per 1,939 inhabitants.
The government ordered schools closed beginning 16 March. In addition, all cultural activities planned by the government were cancelled. In an appearance on March 13 the Head of GovernmentXavier Espot announced that all public establishments would be closed for two weeks except those that provide essential products, gas stations, and pharmacies. The next day, Constitution Day celebrations were cancelled. In addition, the borders were restricted, and people were only permitted to leave for health reasons, to transport goods, or for residents abroad. The sale of tobacco and alcohol to tourists was prohibited, and the quantity permitted to be sold to Andorran nationals and residents was restricted. On 16 March, Espot ordered the cessation of high-risk work activities, such as construction and "liberal" professions, for a minimum of eight days, and public administration would be reduced to a minimal level to avoid the collapse of the healthcare system. Meanwhile, the government began working on legal steps to manage states of alarm and of emergency, provided for in the Constitution but never developed in any laws. The Government procured antibody tests at a cost of 1.5 million euros. While the tests will not be obligatory, being able to prove that one has antibodies can give them access to less restrictive measures.
Timeline
March 2020
On 2 March, Andorra confirmed its first coronavirus case, a 20-year-old man who had returned from Milan. The tests conducted have shown a positive infection, and he will remain in hospital for further tests and his immediate social circle will be monitored, the government said in a statement. He was discharged on 8 March. On 12 March, a second case was confirmed, an 87-year-old woman whose daughter is a teacher. The Government announced that it would close all schools from 16 March. On 13 March, Xavier Espot announced in a special public appearance that ordered the closure of all public establishments except basic stores, pharmacies and gas stations during two weeks. On 14 March, the acts of the 27th day of the Constitution were not carried out after the suspension by the General Council. On 15 March, it was announced that there were four new active cases in Andorra, making a total of 6 cases. All four people that contracted the virus had been in contact with the 87-year-old woman. On 16 March the Prime Minister ordered the closing of all construction and industrial activity as the coronavirus cases amounted to 14 after a rise of 9 on the day with the highest number of cases registered. On 17 March, the toll of cases rose to 39. The Co-PrinceJoan Enric Vives Sicília addressed a special televised message calling for the calm gratitude and collaboration among all. On 22 March, an 88-year-old man became the first confirmed death in the country as the number of cases rose to 112. On 24 March, the third death was confirmed. On 29 March, the Minister of Health announced that 80 of the active cases were health care staff. Further, Cuba was sending 27 nurses and 12 physicians to aid the SAAS staff.
April 2020
On 11 April, a 79-year-old patient from La Seu d'Urgell was transferred to the ICU of Nostra Senyora de Meritxell hospital. By 20 April, thirty-six persons had succumbed to the coronavirus in Andorra. On 30 April, antibody test volunteers, government workers, and their relatives were tested for antibodies.
May 2020
From 4 May to 13 May, voluntary tests were performed on the vast majority of the population From 18 May to 27 May, a second voluntary test was performed on the vast majority of the population
June 2020
From the 1st to the 10th, Inconclusive tests were supplemented by PCR tests detecting 78 positive Cases.
July 2020
From the 1st to the 12th, total reported cases remained unchanged at 855, but new cases were reported from 13th, coinciding with the onset of a second wave in adjacent regions of Spain. July 16th marked one month since the last reported death in Andorra. An additional 39 cases were reported by 24 July, bringing the total to 897 or 1.16% of the population.
