By CGTN Africa
Sudan on Tuesday began restricting travellers arriving from India to enter the country and will impose new coronavirus restrictions.
“Entry will be prevented for all travellers arriving directly from India or through any other country after having visited India in the past 14 days,” said the country’s ruling council in a statement.
Travellers from Egypt and Ethiopia will be re-tested upon arrival, it said.
The new COVID restrictions include schools and universities being closed for one month starting immediately and putting a hold on large social gatherings as well as mass prayers.
“The Supreme Health Emergencies Committee … ordered the suspension of all universities and schools for a month,” it said.
It also set a mask mandate in markets, workplaces, and public transport.
The country’s fragile health system has been strained by the coronavirus epidemic, with patients struggling to access hospital beds, oxygen and medications.
India is experiencing elevated numbers of COVID-19 cases following the spread of a variant that has been classified by the World Health Organisation as a “variant of concern.”
Sudan has registered 34,707 COVID-19 cases including 1,116 fatalities as of May 16.
Authorities fear the virus caseload would exceed 100,000 during the first and second weeks of June if people fail to take the necessary measures, according to the statement.
In March, the country began inoculating healthcare workers after receiving AstraZeneca vaccinations through the Covax initiative which provides jabs to poor countries.
(With input from agencies)
