At a time when countries have imposed and are easing lockdowns in the fight against COVID-19, Tanzanian president John Magufuli insists there will be no such thing as lockdown in the east African nation.
During an address to a church congregation, Magufuli stressed that when the neighbours are done with their lockdowns, they could still come for help with food.
Magufuli said hospitals in the country showed a growing trend of recoveries and promised to open more public places such as schools and universities.
Magufuli’s government has been criticised for a lack of transparency regarding the toll that COVID-19 has taken, with the last official update on April 29 listing 480 cases. According the WHO however, Tanzania has recorded 509 cases, 21 deaths and 183 recoveries.
Meanwhile, the civil aviation authority announced that all restrictions on air travel had been lifted paving the way for passenger flights to begin operations.
The Health Ministry has also said incoming travelers will only be screened at the point of entry and not be subjected to quarantine.
Tourism is Tanzania’s second highest employer after agriculture.
The sector was impacted heavily by the virus disruption.
