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HEALTH-VIRUS-TANZANIA
Tanzania records first death from coronavirus
DAR ES SALAAM, March 31, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Tanzania on Tuesday recorded its
first death from coronavirus, a 49-year-old man who had underlying health
issues, the health ministry said.
The East African nation has reported cases since March 16, including
foreign travellers and those with whom they have had contacts. One person has
so far recovered.
“I regret to announce the first death of coronavirus patient early this
morning. The 49-year old man had other health complications,” Health Minister
Ummy Mwalimu said in a statement, without giving details.
Tanzania has already shut all schools and universities in a bid to curb
the disease, and from Tuesday parliament cut working hours and limited the
number of MPs allowed in the debating chamber.
However while neighbouring countries have imposed lockdowns and urged
people to stay home, President John Magufuli has played down the seriousness
of the disease.
“This is time to build our faith and continue praying to God and not
depending on face masks. Don’t stop going to churches and mosques for
prayers. I’m sure this is just a change of wind and it will go like others
have gone,” Magufuli said at a church in Dodoma earlier this month.
“There are too many threats being spread about corona but this is a small
disease and we will beat it in the name of Jesus. I also ask Tanzanians to
continue working hard,” he added.
His comment was criticised by other politicians who said Tanzania should
actually consider closing churches and mosques to avoid spreading
coronavirus.
“Let’s not argue with science,” said opposition lawmaker Zitto Kabwe on
Twitter.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1550 hrs