The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is still affecting more people in Tanzania, as today April 20, the number of people who have tested positive for the virus rose to 254 and 10 deaths, according to the Tanzanian Ministry of Health statement.
The East African nation has seen a rise in the number of cases from April 18 to April 20 hitting 84. Hence, the statement noted that out of 84 patients 16 were confirmed by the health ministry of Zanzibar (a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania).
The statement showed how the virus has spread across 17 regions, and perhaps it could be related to the warning given by the health minister Ummy Mwalimu of Tanzania dealing with a new dynamic of local transmissions.
First Tanzanian MP to get infected
The virus has also infected a Tanzanian member of parliament (MP) who recently travelled to the nation’s commercial-city, Dar es Salaam—which also leads with the highest number of cases, standing at 33.
According to information from The Citizen, the Deputy Speaker of the Tanzanian parliament Dr Tulia Ackson revealed the incident and did not reveal the identity of the MP.
“The MP is receiving treatment and is doing well,” said the deputy speaker.
Also, Parliament—which is now run with fewer members and on a more precautious modus operandi due to the outbreak has been postponed for one day to allow a disinfecting exercise.
The US to Evacuate its citizens by Tuesday
The United States is currently working with the government of Tanzania to evacuate its citizens from the country, due to the current global pandemic threat, that has now killed nearly 160,000 people and infected over 2 million people.
According to information from The Citizen, the US embassy in Tanzania press information officer Benjamin Ellis said that the activity was part of the unprecedented efforts of the US to bring its people home from all nations across the world. This includes remote locations and destination with strict quarantine orders and travel restrictions.
The US has already managed and helped evacuate over 64,00 US citizens from over 100 countries so far.
“We are closely monitoring the conditions in Tanzania, and we are working with the government of Tanzania, and we are working with the government of Tanzania to organize a repatriation flight for American citizens here in Tanzania” he added.
The coronavirus death toll in the U.S passed 40,00 late Sunday, while cases are nearly 755,000 according to information from NBC. Hence, the virus has already spread in 17 regions in Tanzania.
However, the Tanzanian government with the help of other stakeholders has kept on providing awareness, precaution measures to the community and medical support to health authorities to combat the virus.
