Maghreb Edition

Sahel: Niger seeks to restore normalcy, announces measures to ease lockdownF

Posted On 16 May 2020

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Niamey, May 15, 2020 – Niger’s government on Friday lifted measures to isolate the capital Niamey to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus and also restarted passenger transport services. Niger introduced restrictions, including a night-time curfew and a ban on collective prayers, in March in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19 after it developed into a global pandemic.

“In view of the improvement in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council of Ministers has decided to lift the isolation of Niamey and consequently open inter-urban passenger transport activities,” a government statement said on state radio. “In case of a deterioration in the situation, the government reserves the right to reconsider these decisions.”

The government had already lifted the curfew in Niamey and authorised the reopening of places of worship. Schools will reopen next month across the country. At the end of March, Niamey was rocked by riots against the lockdown measure and the ban on collective prayers. Niger has recorded 885 cases of coronavirus including 51 deaths, according to a report Friday.

AFP

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