The Burundi minister of public health reported 40 new COVID-19 positive cases for the past two days after contact tracing was conducted, the highest number since March 2019 when the country recorded first ever case of coronavirus.
Burundi had imposed as other countries a mandatory certificate to travelers to and from the country.
Between January 4 and 5, 2021 among passengers seeking for coronavirus certificate who were tested, 10 tested positive for the virus according to a statement from the Minister of Public Health Thaddée Ndikumana.
“Of the 10 cases, we made contact tracing and screening then in the economic capital Bujumbura where all the 40 cases were diagnosed. We conducted 284 tests among which 30 tested positive to covid-19,” said Dr. Ndikumana.
The country’s health minister said that all the 40 people who tested positive were under treatment in three different centers in Bujumbura [Bwiza-Jabe, Kamenge, and Ruziba] and in stable condition.”
Since the opening of the Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, cases slightly increased prior to the reopening.
The Health Ministry urged the population and institutions to take serious effective measures imposed to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
“The population should continue to observe physical distance as many have been reluctant and ignoring them such in public places, churches, and offices. We have to be vigilant if not we will not contain the spread effectively,” said the Health Minister.
On arrival, passengers go through a mandatory quarantine of 72hours in booked isolated hotels.
According to the Burundian government hotel owners signed Engagement Act, in case breached they are bound to pay a fine of BIF 1 million (approximately $500) and will be upheld in court.
The new infection brought the tally of positive COVID-19 cases to 884 among which 773 were discharged from hospital facilities, 109 active cases while the country recorded 2 deaths.
The 40 COVID-19 cases in 2 days came after the country went over 2 months without recording any local infections.
“The intervention team is smoothly conducting contact tracing around the economic capital as to halt the pandemic in due time,” said Dr. Thaddee Ndikumana.