Tanzania dismisses allegations it’s not doing enough against covid-19

The Tanzanian government has dismissed allegations it is not doing enough to fight off the coronavirus disease, just one day after the US embassy there warned the country was experiencing exponential growth.

Dr Hassan Abbas, the governments spokesperson, told reporters that while the national laboratory remained closed and testing had been halted due an ongoing investigation, people were still being cared for.

He said “We want to satisfy ourselves with many different tests that have been used for this disease – so we’re making improvements. And Tanzanians continue with their lives. If someone has symptoms, we have already said they should report to different health centres.

“So it is not true that we are not fighting covid-19 in the country, no. Many Tanzanians continue with their daily lives as normal”.

Unlike its neighbours in the region, the East African country has not imposed strict lockdown measures to prevent any spread of the virus, and life has barely changed since it reported its first case in March.

While schools remain closed, markets and shopping centres remain a hive of activity, causing concern the virus could be spreading fast.

Though not obligatory, most people elect to wear face coverings or masks when out in public.

Shops, market centres, bars and places of worship are increasingly providing additional hygiene facilities and asking people to wash their hands before entering.

[Photo: Getty Images]