Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli has downplayed US fears that Dar es Salaam hospitals are overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients.
Earlier this week, the US Embassy in Tanzania issued an alert warning that there is an “extremely high risk” of contracting coronavirus in Dar es Salaam.
But on Sunday, May 17, President Magufuli said that many of the Covid-19 patients in Tanzania have recovered, giving a blow-by-blow account of the few patients in each of the country’s main hospitals.
“I urge you to continue taking caution and praying. If the trend continues this way, I’ll open up universities for students to resume their studies. I will also consider resuming sporting activities,” said a confident Magufuli.
Magufuli, exuding confidence, claimed that some planes are fully booked as tourists plan to visit the country in August.
The East African leader insisted that the country will continue putting its faith in God during the Covid-19 pandemic and adhering to the normal control measures.
Magufuli has been facing criticism for the manner in which he has been handling the virus pandemic, especially bucking the global trend of effecting lockdowns.
The Tanzanian leader said that it is not in the best interest of the country to shut down its borders, effect lockdowns, and impose a curfew.
So far, according to Covid-19 visualizer website, Tanzania has suffered 509 Covid-19 infections with 21 fatalities.
However, the country has not been releasing regular Covid-19 updates sparking fears of lack of transparency.
On Saturday, President Magufuli sacked the Health Deputy Minister, Dr. Faustine Ndugulile.
On the same day, President Uhuru Kenyatta also closed the Kenya-Tanzania border, except for cargo transport.
