Tanzania on Monday announced new anti-coronavirus measures, saying it wanted to prevent the importation of new variants, highlighting new President Samia Suluhu Hassans more active efforts to contain the pandemic. Among the new measures, travellers, both foreigners and Tanzanians, will be required to present negative COVID-19 tests at border points. Her approach to tackling COVID-19 contrasts sharply with her late predecessor John Magufuli who dismissed fears of the infection and promoted remedies such as steam inhalation and herbal concoctions as a cure. Based on the global epidemiological situation and emergence of new variants of viruses that cause COVID-19, theres an increased risk of their importation into our country, a ministry of health statement said. To prevent such a risk, the statement said, Tanzania had decided to elevate and enhance prevailing preventive measures, especially those with regard to international travel. There will also be enhanced screening of travellers and a mandatory 14-day quarantine for travellers from countries with new variants and those who have travelled there in the last 14 days. While staying in the country, the statement said, visitors will be required to adhere to preventive measures including mask-wearing, sanitising and social distancing. -- --
