This archive report was first published on 9 May 2021.
On Friday, May 7, 2021, Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan made a significant appearance at a public event in Dar es Salaam, wearing a face mask for the first time.
Her predecessor, John Magufuli, who died in March 2021, had consistently refused to wear a face mask and was known for his skepticism towards COVID-19.
President Samia has worn face masks in other countries, including during her two-day state visit to Kenya earlier this week.
At the event, she addressed an audience of over 800 elders from across the country, emphasizing the importance of protecting the elderly from COVID-19.
"We apologise, our lifestyle has changed, we have come here today in face masks and this is because the elderly are at a higher risk of contracting this disease, so we have to protect them," the president said.
Since taking office, President Samia has demonstrated a willingness to take a more considered approach to COVID-19, forming a committee of experts to advise her on the country's response to the pandemic.
