Coronavirus: Comoros, a first case and difficulties in the fight against the virus

Text by: RFI Follow

The Comorian government announced on Saturday that it would step up measures to prevent Covid19 in the country. A first suspicion of cases from France had worried the country last week, but had ultimately not been proven. This time, a first case has just been confirmed by the Regional Health Agency on the island of Mayotte geographically attached to the Comoros archipelago. The archipelago lacks infrastructure and medical means, but the authorities want to be reassuring.

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From our correspondent in Moroni , Anziza M'Changama

The authorities announced preventive measures and in advance according to Dr Takiddine Youssouf, Secretary of State for Cooperation. " We have not had any cases of coronavirus so far, so the measures relate to hygiene measures, border control measures to control those who come for quarantine measures. It is a country that has already confirmed cases that is taking these measures while we have not yet confirmed any cases, so that we can prepare for eventualities . "

France to send doctors

But will these measures be sufficient? Schools are still open and members of the diaspora from risk areas continue to flock, not to mention the delays in diagnosing covid19 mentioned by Dr Takiddine.

“ In the case of Covid19 we have to send the samples so far to South Africa or to Reunion. It's not just Covid19 where there are lengthy confirmation procedures. France will send doctors to train the laboratory staff of our hospital center. And now there is no charge for the direct debit . "

Everything is done to facilitate access to coronavirus screening and, for the time being, border closings are not envisaged. However, with this first confirmed case in Mayotte, concern has increased a notch in the archipelago.

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• Coronavirus
• Comoros
• Health and Medicine