Health Ministry suggests lockdown to curb COVID-19 spread

Somalia has joined the long list of countries waiting to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. The country expects to get 1.2 million doses of the Oxford Astrazaneca vaccine from WHO in March and April 2021.

News Keydmedia Online
1 March 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia - As Somalia sees a new grim record of a surge in Coronavirus infections and hospitalizations, the Horn of Africa’s Health Ministry calls for a nationwide lockdown.

The Minister of Health, Fowsiyo Abikar called on the government to take swift measures to suspend all the local and international flights to contain the spread of the deadly second wave of the Covid-19.

Speaking to the local media, she said last year's government steps have yielded fruits after imposing travel restrictions on the country and had reduced the spread of the deadly disease.

“The first outbreak was managed largely thanks to a lockdown and closure of all schools and universities. We have again submitted and advised for these same restrictions and measures. Regardless we advise all parents to NOT send their kids to school and follow the health guidelines,” said the health minister.

Abikar urged the public at large to maintain social distancing and avoid large gatherings at all costs as the situation is worsening with each passing day and more people are getting infected by the Covid-19.

Somalia has joined the long list of countries waiting to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. The country expects to get 1.2 million doses of the Oxford Astrazaneca vaccine from WHO in March and April 2021.

“We are confident that with the rollout of vaccines in the near future we will be able to manage this second wave,” said the health minister.

So far since last year, Somalia has so far recorded 7,257 overall cases and 239 deaths while 3,808 have recovered from the virus, according to the Somali Health Ministry.

KON English News Desk