Mozambique will enter a situation of public calamity from Monday for an indefinite period as a way to maintain the COVID-19 preventive measures following the end of the five-month State of Emergency, President Filipe Nyusi announced on Friday night.
In his televised speech to the nation, President Nyusi said his government will take effective measures as long as the risk of coronavirus remains while trying to maintain a balance between preventing the virus and a gradual recovery of the economy.
According to his speech, most of the current measures will remain the same, but with some relaxations on restrictions, such as increasing the number limit of people attending religious services and funerals, resumption of issuing of official documents, and phased reopening of schools.
Bars will remain closed and the use of masks in public places will still be mandatory except during physical activities, he said.
“Do not confuse these measures with total relief of restrictions. Everyone must respect the law and the lives of others, otherwise, we will return to the previous measures,” said Nyusi, adding that the five months of the State of Emergency was a huge challenge for Mozambicans, but the whole effort paid off.
Mozambique has reported 4,265 COVID-19 cases, including 2,511 recoveries and 26 deaths as of Saturday morning.
