This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, Tanzania has taken a cautious approach to reopening its economy. On June 1, the country resumed various activities, including university and high school finals, sports, and tourism, after a two-month suspension.
Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu and Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Harrison Mwakyembe have issued directives to minimize the spread of the virus. These include guidelines for a 'new normal' that emphasizes handwashing, social distancing, and face mask-wearing.
According to the new guidelines, sports stadia will operate at half capacity, and spectators with underlying medical conditions or the elderly will be advised to watch matches from home. Health Minister Mwalimu emphasized the importance of caution, stating, 'Although all precautionary measures will be taken, we strongly advise those at high-risk for severe illness from Covid-19, that is older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions, to follow through sports activities from home.'
Since the first case was announced on March 16, the pandemic has disrupted many aspects of life in Tanzania. To return to normal, the government has implemented measures such as decontamination of school and college compounds, provision of knowledge on the pandemic, and ensuring students and staff observe social distancing.
Despite the slow decline in infection rates, the government continues to insist on taking precautions until the virus is completely eradicated. As Hassan Abbas, the government spokesman and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, noted, 'Despite the fact that infection rate and number of patients have greatly slowed in the country, the disease is not completely eradicated hence each individual and their respective sports leader in the country will have to continue taking precautions as per the health ministry guidelines.'
