MOGADISHU, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Somalia said it is putting in place measures to help contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country, urging citizens to comply with the ministry of health guidelines to curb the spread of the pandemic.
Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire also said national COVID-19 emergency response committee is working hard to support the Somalis economically.
Khaire said COVID-19 medical centers would be expanded and testing capacity enhanced so that many people can be tested for the virus.
"The government is engaged in purchasing important health equipment to stem the spread of the virus," Khaire said in a statement issued on Friday followed his televised speech to the nation.
Somalia, which has confirmed 80 cases, five deaths and three recoveries, has also closed schools, banned large gatherings and suspended international and domestic passenger flights to contain the possible spread of COVID-19.
A night curfew took effect on Wednesday in Mogadishu to help enhance measures of combating COVID-19 amid fears the disease could spread fast given the country's fragile health systems. Enditem
