LIBREVILLE, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Gabon decided on Friday to close its air, sea and land borders to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, with four confirmed cases and one death so far in the country.

The authorities prohibit all national and international passenger flights, except in cases of force majeure, medical evacuation and freight; passenger trains, except freight trains, petroleum products; and all maritime and river, lagoon transport, except freight, said a statement from the Interior Ministry published in the capital on Friday.

Gabon has also imposed strict measures on internal circulation. Only military vehicles, health workers, funeral directors, water and electricity services, telecommunications and garbage collection can operate normally.

Other carriers are subject to restrictions in terms of the number of passenger. Public transporters must be equipped with masks and provide alcoholic gel to allow passengers to clean their hands.

Bank ATMs remain open, but customers must respect the separation distance of one meter between two people.

A week ago, the government had closed schools, bars, nightclubs, places of worship, and courts. The assembly of more than 30 people was also prohibited.

Gabon declared its first COVID-19 case on March 12. In total, the virus affected four people, all of Gabonese nationality. One of them died. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)