This archive report was first published on 4 May 2021.
On Tuesday, the Tanzanian government reinstated a 14-day quarantine period for travelers, including both foreigners and citizens, in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.
According to the new guidelines, all travelers will be required to present a test certificate showing negative Covid-19 results upon arrival.
Those arriving from countries with a high number of cases will have to undergo another mandatory Covid test at their own cost.
The directive, signed by Permanent Secretary for Health Prof Abel Makubi, marks a significant shift in the country's approach to tackling the pandemic.
It is worth noting that the change has come under the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has adopted a science-based approach to tackling the pandemic, in contrast to her predecessor, former President John Magufuli, who downplayed global warnings on the threat of coronavirus.
Interestingly, this move reverses a decision made by the government in May last year, when it lifted the mandatory quarantine for visitors and instead announced that screening and tests would be done on arrival.
