This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
On May 11, 2020, Zambia took drastic measures to combat the Covid-19 pandemic by temporarily closing its border with Tanzania.
The decision was made after the country witnessed its highest spike of Covid-19 infections on Saturday, with 85 cases reported in a single day, including three deaths.
Of the cases, 76 were recorded in Nakonde, a border town with Tunduma in Tanzania, highlighting the need for enhanced screening and health measures.
According to Zambia's Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya, the closure is meant to facilitate the retraining of health personnel and carrying out of more screening in Nakonde.
“No traffic will be allowed in or out of the district,” Dr. Chilufya said, underscoring the severity of the situation.
As of now, Zambia has recorded 267 positive cases, 117 recoveries, and seven deaths, with the country's President Edgar Lungu announcing the reopening of some sectors of the economy, including casinos and gyms, last week.
Nakonde is one of Zambia's largest border posts, serving as a gateway to East Africa.
