The Sudanese government on Sunday extended a lockdown in the state of Khartoum by one week until July 7 to prevent the COVID-19 spread.

Siddig Tawir, the head of the High Committee for Health Emergencies, said from July 8 there will be a gradual return to normal, though a night curfew will be imposed from 6 pm until 5 am.

Tawir said that the gradual lifting of the lockdown in Khartoum state will start by reducing the curfew hours, and gradually permitting the resumption of work.

“All of this must happen in accordance with the measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Tawir.

Sudan has so far recorded 9,257 COVID-19 cases, including 572 deaths and 4,014 recoveries.

Authorities have extended the closure of Khartoum's international airport until July 12.