Magufuli keeps churches open in Tanzania

President John Magufuli has closed schools, colleges, universities, suspended sporting events and banned all public gatherings, in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Tanzania.

However, he has refused to close churches, mosques and other places of worship, because that, he says, is where people will find “true healing”.

“Coronavirus is a devil, it can not live in the body of Christ, it will burn instantly. This is a time to build our faith”, he said.

The president, who holds a PhD in chemistry and is a devout Catholic, spoke during a church service in Dodoma, the capital city, on Sunday.

Magufuli told the congregation of his optimism that this will pass “just like other diseases have passed. But we should continue to take precautions just as experts have been instructed us”.

He further warned “action will be taken” against those who do not adhere to the social distancing measures implemented by the government, though did not make clear what exactly that meant.

Eight Tanzanian’s have tested positive for the virus, alongside four foreign nationals in the country, bringing the total number of cases to 12.

Photo: Tanzanian Presidency