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Chad has closed its capital N’djamena for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and declared a curfew from dusk to dawn due to a surge in infections, a decree signed by President Idriss showed on Friday. Deby.
The West African nation has so far reported a relatively low number of cases compared to other countries in the region, with 2,113 Covid-19 cases since March and 104 deaths.
New daily cases fell by single digits in early December, according to Reuters data. It has risen to double digits in recent days, mostly in the capital, including 36 on Friday, data from the Health Ministry showed.
Reuters data showed that Covid-19 infections are increasing in Chad, with 19 new infections reported on average each day. That’s 68% of the peak, the highest daily average reported on May 10, when a second wave of infections hit the region.
The decree said the lockdown that begins on New Year’s Day will last for a week and could be extended. The borders of the city will be closed. Chad’s airspace will also be closed, allowing only cargo flights.
Schools, universities, places of worship, bars, restaurants and non-essential public services will be closed. Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.
Africa has recorded 2.7 million coronavirus infections and 64,000 deaths as of Thursday, Reuters data showed.
