MAPUTO, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi on Friday announced new additional measures against COVID-19, including the closing of schools and universities, cancellation of visas already issued and suspension of events involving more than 50 people.

Nyusi spoke in a message addressed to the nation from the presidential office, broadcast on state television and radio, moments after a meeting he held with ministers and health specialists.

The reinforced measures are due to take effect from the next Monday, March 23, for a minimum period of 30 days.

Authorities are to "suspend the issuance of entry visas to Mozambique and cancel all those already issued; reinforce the 14-day mandatory household quarantine measures for all travelers; close all public and private schools from pre-school to higher education," according to the President.

Public or private gatherings of more than 50 people including religious services are to be prohibited, except those of national interest, such as state meetings and parliament sessions.

Nyusi added that a professional technical group chaired by the Minister of Health will be created, which is to advise the government on the measures to be taken to contain the epidemic.

Mandatory preventive measures will also be imposed in public and private institutions and on traders, to reduce the risk of infection, and as well to ensure the normal functioning of the supply chain, said Nyusi.

The president said that so far 35 suspected carriers have been tested in the country and all the results are negative.

"Currently, 267 national and foreign individuals from countries with positive cases are quarantined. So far we have no cases of COVID-19 infection registered in the country," he said.

Nyusi called on the Defense and Security Forces and whole society to contribute to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, as "it is a moment of great challenge for the nation". Enditem

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