LONDON, (The Southern African Times) – Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has ordered tighter measures, including class suspension and curfew extension, to contain the surge of new COVID-19 infections as the country grapples with a third wave of the pandemic.
“Face-to-face class is suspended in all education systems for a period of 30 days in the cities of Maputo, Xai-Xai, Inhambane, Beira, Tete, Chimoio, Dondo, Greater Maputo and Manhica. The mandatory curfew takes effect from 21:00 to 04:00 in all cities, municipalities and towns,” the president said in a televised speech on Thursday night.
Gyms, theaters, swimming pools and casinos are prohibited, and the opening hours for public institutions, restaurants and markets are shortened, Nyusi said.
Reduction in the number of hospital visits and funeral attendees are also among the new measures.
The country’s health system is at risk of collapse, the president said.
“The epidemiological deterioration in our country implies readjusting of restrictive measures and preventing the pandemic from taking our lives,” Nyusi said.
The measures will come into force from Saturday, July 17, for a period of 30 days, but may be updated after 15 days depending on the evolution of the situation, he said.
Nyusi also announced the purchase of 11 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which is expected to arrive in Mozambique by August and help speed up its vaccination campaign.
Mozambique registered an additional confirmed COVID-19 1,034 cases and 24 related deaths on Thursday. The death toll was the highest daily tally since the pandemic began in the country.
It now has 18,754 active cases and the death toll stands at 1,057.
