Coronavirus in Africa: measures to limit its spread

Text by: RFI Follow

Nearly two hundred contaminations by the virus have been identified on the African continent. The magnitude of the pandemic is less significant than in Asia or in Europe but with the appearance of new cases, Friday March 13, in Guinea or Mauritania, countries are taking measures to limit the spread of the virus.

Publicity

First spontaneous measure, that of isolation and the care of infected people. Then there is the restriction of movement of people.

Mauritania, which announced its first case on Friday, has suspended all tourist flights entering its territory.

Tunisia, which has 16 confirmed cases, has closed its maritime borders and restricted air services with Europe and Egypt. From now on, all travelers from abroad must isolate themselves for 14 days upon arrival in the country.

Closed schools

There is also the closure of schools, as in Gabon where a student was declared infected Thursday. The Gabonese authorities announce the closure of all schools until March 30.

This measure has also been taken in Libya, although there have been no cases detected to date in the country. It is a " preventive measure " taken by the two rival governments.

Gatherings of more than 100 people prohibited

There is also the ban on rallies. In Guinea, for example, where a first case was announced on Friday, the governor of Conakry has prohibited gatherings of more than 100 people. Also in Guinea, health checks have been carried out on travelers since last week.

Simple gestures

And finally, there are the daily health measures. In the Central African Republic, the Ministry of Health emphasizes public hygiene with simple gestures such as installing products for washing hands in public places, avoiding greetings by hand or " ban on braces ", such as underlines a press release.

Quarantine for travelers

Still in this spirit of prevention, Bangui imposes a quarantine on travelers from countries infected with the coronavirus and prohibits all official travel to countries affected by the pandemic.

► Read also: Coronavirus: Africa facing the threat of the epidemic

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• Coronavirus
• Africa

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