S. Sudan Takes New Measures As Covid Cases Rise
Faizan Hashmi Published February 04, 2021 | 02:37 PM
South Sudan has ordered a ban on religious and political events and closed most schools after a rise in coronavirus cases in the country
Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, one of South Sudan's vice presidents, announced the measures late Wednesday for one month "due to the recent surge in the Covid-19 pandemic in the country." The previous three days, South Sudan recorded some of its highest Covid-19 figures, with 39 testing positive on Monday, 54 on Tuesday and 37 on Wednesday.
Overall the east African nation -- which achieved independence almost a decade ago and has been crippled by conflict, chronic underdevelopment and hunger -- has registered 4,267 cases and 66 deaths.
However only around 90,000 tests have been conducted among an estimated population of 12 million. Most of the cases have been in the capital Juba and in Nimule, which borders Uganda.
Cases have also been detected in the country's vast camps sheltering internally displaced people.
Akol said all social gatherings such as church and mosque services and political events have been banned, and schools will be closed except for classes holding exams.
All passengers travelling to South Sudan must present negative Covid-19 test results.
In addition, the council of ministers is to hold extraordinary meetings only.
"The national taskforce instructs the law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to impose the order," Akol said.
Like many countries in the region South Sudan imposed strict measures after the first cases emerged, shutting borders, limiting internal transport and closing shops and restaurants which were only allowed to offer take-away.
The measures were in place from March until May last year.
Since then life had returned to normal, with no wearing of face masks, social distancing or use of sanitiser in public places.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Ukraine trying to 'stabilise' front as Russia pushes northeast
SPSC announces final results of Combined Competitive Examination 2020
Slovak PM is able to speak few sentences in serious condition
Agriculture dept using all resources to obtain cotton sowing target
Tunisia president blasts foreign criticism of arrests
Court seeks arguments in PTI founder's bail plea
'Good neighbour': The small-town Slovak writer suspected of PM shooting
Russia expels UK defence attache in tit-for-tat move
Court reserves verdict in PTI founder's acquittal plea
Cannes film shocks with fairy-tale horror on abortion
Turkey court jails Kurdish leader for 42 years over 2014 unrest
KP Governor; Aftab Sherpao discuss political situation of KP
More Stories From World
-
Chad junta chief officially wins election
4 hours ago -
Trump lawyers vie to discredit key witness Cohen at trial
4 hours ago -
Ecuadoran president urges international help to stop drug problem
5 hours ago -
S.Africa tells UN court Israel 'genocide' hit 'new and horrific stage'
5 hours ago -
Biden makes new outreach to Black voters as support slips
5 hours ago -
Ukraine battles to hold back Russia advance
5 hours ago
-
China 'can't have it both ways' with Russia and West: US
6 hours ago -
US military says aid pier anchored to Gaza beach
6 hours ago -
Ukraine trying to 'stabilise' front as Russia pushes northeast
7 hours ago -
Slovak PM is able to speak few sentences in serious condition
7 hours ago -
Tunisia president blasts foreign criticism of arrests
7 hours ago -
'Good neighbour': The small-town Slovak writer suspected of PM shooting
7 hours ago