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South Sudan Declares Partial Lockdown on COVID Surge

Winnie Cirino

   JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN - South Sudan has imposed a one-month, partial
   lockdown after a jump in coronavirus cases. Africa's youngest nation
   has confirmed more than 4,000 cases and 65 deaths but, some residents
   worry this first lockdown since June could hurt people's livelihoods.

   South Sudan's national task force on COVID-19, the disease caused by
   the coronavirus, said Wednesday the partial lockdown was necessary
   after a surge in cases.

   Taskforce member Doctor Richard Laku said virus cases have doubled in
   the past week.

   "In the last seven days, we have recorded 218 confirmed cases, compared
   to the week before which is the week of 20-26th," said Laku. "We have
   140 cases, but the week 2nd of February we have 218 cases which shows
   almost doubling of the cases along the two weeks, and this shows that
   the possibility rate has been increasing from last week to this week."

   The chairman of the taskforce, Hussein Abdelbagi, said the new lockdown
   measures affect all businesses and events that attract large crowds.

   "Ban all the social gatherings, such as sporting events, religious
   events including Sunday church prayers, Salat Al Juma Mosque Prayers,
   funerals, wedding ceremonies and political events," said Abdelbagi.
   "Two, closure of all pre-schools, schools, universities and all the
   other institutions of learning, except classes scheduled for
   examinations with observations of strict protective measures."

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