Tanzanian presidency adopts COVID-19 measures

By David Ochieng Mbewa

The Tanzanian presidency has adopted a number of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, such as temperature checks, hand sanitization as well as the use of face masks.

The move by President Samia Suluhu Hassan is in contrast with the controversial position taken by her predecessor, John Magufuli, who was a coronavirus-skeptic.

This was evidenced on Monday when she received foreign envoys at State House who were screened and sanitized their hands upon entry.

The envoys, who observed physical distancing, were pictured all wearing face masks, as was the president.

On Friday, President Suluhu stressed the importance of face masks in fighting COVID-19, dismissing one of the most controversial policies of Magufuli. She was also seen wearing a face mask for the first time in the country saying it was vital to protect the elderly people she was meeting.

In April, she made a speech outlining a number of major policy shifts saying it was “not proper to ignore” the coronavirus pandemic.

President Suluhu said she would create an expert COVID-19 task force to advise her government, adding they would canvass global opinion on the pandemic and make recommendations about “remedies” and policies.

Cgtn.com