 in Burundi, citizens should start considering refrain from the cultural way of greeting that includes pecks, kisses and hugs.){kind=link}
One of the most common ways of the virus transmission is getting into contact with an infected person and exchange contaminated droplets. PHOTO| Reader’s Digest
Though no case is yet to be confirmed of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Burundi, citizens should start considering refrain from the cultural way of greeting that includes pecks, kisses and hugs.
Neighboring Rwanda has already confirmed a case of an Indian national who arrived in Rwanda from Mumbai on March 8th 2020, Kigali so far took measures to control the spread of the virus that includes closing places of worship from Sunday 15 March with prayers to be conducted in homes.
Other measures include closing schools from Monday 16th , large gatherings such as weddings and sporting events are to be postponed, and number of people attending burial ceremoniess should be limited.
“Burundians are very affectionate. When they meet they hug and shake hands as a sign of greeting,” said Lantern Nimbona a resident of Buterere in the northen surburb of Bujumbura.
One of the most common ways of the virus transmission is getting into contact with an infected person and exchange contaminated droplets.
COVID-19 attacks lungs and one of its symptoms is fever, mixed with dry cough. The virus causes breath problems and takes five days for the symptoms to show up. Its incubation period lasts up to 14 days according to the World Health Organization.
Burundi to quarantine
Burundi’s ministry of health last Thursday announced that 34 people have so far been quarantined as a precaution to prevent the spread of Corona virus in the country, the quarantined are passengers from China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Germany, France, Japan and Spain.
“In addition to quarantining all passengers from those countries in order to prevent the epidemic of COVID-19 disease in our country the Minister of Public Health brings to the attention that said measure is extended to all passengers from all countries of the European Union,” a statement read from the health ministry.
According to Burundi government people who have traveled to countries that have been affected by the COVID-19 will be quarantined for 14 days preceding their entry in the territory.
“The minister of public health takes this opportunity to strongly recommend to generalize the installation of hand washing kits in health facilities and other public places,” read the statement.
This came after as of Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded the status of the COVID-19 outbreak from epidemic to pandemic.
African countries are on high alert as the virus continues to spread in the sub Saharan Africa as Rwanda confirmed one case less than a day after the Kenyan government announced one case in the country.
Additional reporting- Espoir Iradukunda