South Sudan loosens restrictions even as coronavirus cases increase

South Sudan on Thursday started to loosen restrictions due to coronavirus, despite a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.

South Sudan on Thursday started to loosen restrictions due to coronavirus, despite a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.

South Sudan has so far recorded 90 cases of coronavirus.

According to a statement by the presidency, nighttime curfew has been reduced from the previous 7 pm-6 am to now run from 10 pm to 6 am.

The statement further said restaurants, bars, boda-boda, Rickshaws, and others will now be allowed to resume during non-curfew hours.

“Boda-boda and rickshaw transport will resume with only one passenger on a boda-boda and two passengers for Rickshaws. However, both rider and passengers must wear face masks at all times,” the statement reads in part.

It added, “Shops and stores will re-open but the sellers and buyers should observe social distancing and allow a maximum of at least five persons in a shop or store at a time.”

The presidency announced that interstate travels will resume soon. It added that regional flights and road transport will resume soon, but details are yet to be provided by the high-level taskforce on COVID-19.