Democratic Republic of the Congo
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi Announces Lifting Of State Of Emergency
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi has lifted the state of emergency in the country in a phased manner following a slowdown of coronavirus infections spread and fatalities, reported Africa News. The state of emergency was introduced on March 24 to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.
In a televised address on Tuesday, President Tshisekedi announced reopening of banks, restaurants and bars, social gatherings and public transport would resume in accordance with health measures. He lauded the efforts of the Covid-19 response team as both death and mortality rates of coronavirus continue to decline in the country.
“The death rate has dropped from 11 percent to 2.4 percent. The mortality rate is on a decline this month of July,” the DRC president noted.
The vast country of more than 80 million people has recorded a total of 8,534 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 196 deaths and 4,528 recoveries.
Schools have been allowed to reopen from August 3, beginning with learners in the final year of studies in primary, secondary, colleges, and universities. Places of worship, stadiums, airports, and international borders will reopen from August 15.
Interprovincial and international travel restrictions will end on August 15 with the reopening of ports of entry. Burial ceremonies, however, continue to remain suspended as of for now.
He, however, cautioned that the end of the state of emergency does not mean the end of the Covid-19 pandemic in the DRC. He urged the people to abide by all health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 which include the wearing of masks in public places, regular disinfecting of places of activity, social distancing, washing, and sanitizing of hands, and the checking of temperatures.
The total number of coronavirus cases in Africa has surpassed 750,000, a Reuters tally of government and World Health Organization data showed on Wednesday. The continent has reported 751,151 cases, 15,721 deaths, and 407,461 recoveries.
