Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Wednesday ruled out a lockdown of business capital Dar es Salaam amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He said his decision is aimed at saving people from difficulties and saving the country from an economic meltdown.
Magufuli urged people to stop panicking but observe preventive and protective guidelines on the virus and at the same time participating in national building activities.
“Let’s give people facts about the viral disease. We should stop giving information that creates panic among members of the public,” Magufuli said.
He ordered the heads of defense and security organs to take disciplinary actions against people, including politicians, who are spreading false information on COVID-19.
The confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tanzania climbed from 254 to 284 after 30 new cases were announced on Wednesday.