Covid-19 cases in Tanzania have soared to 284 after 30 patients test positive, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said on Wednesday.
According to him, 10 people have died from coronavirus while 256 are responding well to treatment.
“As of April 21, 2020 a total of 284 patients have been diagnosed with Covid19 of which 256 patients are progressing well, 7 are in special care, 11 have survived and 10 have died,” he said.
The PM stated that tracing of 2815 people who were in contact with the COVID-19 patients was conducted and out of that number, 1733 tested negative.
He said 12 of the contacts tested positive and they are part of the 284 reported cases.
Dar es Salaam was reported as having majority of the cases with the PM urging residents to avoid non-essential travel to the city.
He said the Government has set up isolation centres and purchased medical equipment required by health professionals fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The World Health Organization estimates that by the end of April, 2020 our country will have 524,716 patients but thank God that we have not yet reached,” he said.
PM Majaliwa assured Tanzanians that the government has taken adequate measures to help reduce the spread of coronavirus including public awareness campaigns.
The Government has also set up a national committee led by the PM that will assess the COVID-19 situation in the country.
Another committee will be led by a team of experienced research doctors to help with emergency response.
On Ramadhan, a month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide, the PM urged businessmen to ensure that food prices are not inflated.
“Regional and District Heads should conduct regular inspections on markets to ensure pricing is the same. I urge the Regional Authorities to take strict measures to sell sugar at an unusual price since there is no reason for the sugar price to rise because there is enough,” he said.
PM Majaliwa further warned Tanzanians against spreading fake information about coronavirus particularly on social media.
According to him, citizens should only seek information from the government and authentic health professionals.
“Tanzanians should avoid the misuse and misinformation by some social network users on the disease and instead continue to listen to the Government and experts who will provide consistent instructions,” he added.
