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South Sudan Lifts COVID-19 Restrictions Despite Rise in Cases

Waakhe Simon Wudu

   JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN - Even though the number of COVID-19 cases continues
   to rise in South Sudan, the government is lifting several restrictions
   that are intended to control the spread of the pandemic.

   A South Sudan COVID-19 task force member said Thursday that regional
   flights would resume, and that markets, shops and bars would be allowed
   to reopen.

   The South Sudan Doctors Union called the decision rushed.

   "The South Sudan Doctors Union does not see urgency in relaxing the
   rules and directives of the lockdown at a time when our nation is
   experiencing [an] exponential rise in COVID-19 cases and serious
   violations of control measures," the union said in a statement Friday.

   Decision questioned

   Dr. Akuay Cham, an associate professor of public health at the
   University of Juba, questioned whether the decision was based on sound
   reasoning.

   "It is contrary to what is going on, on the ground. Cases are
   increasing and we are moving in another direction, and this for me is
   very sad. I don't know if the government is trying to prioritize the
   economic impact of this pandemic rather than lives," Cham told VOA's
   South Sudan in Focus.

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