DAR ES SALAAM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Monday announced the suspension of Uhuru Torch race for 2020 over COVID-19 concerns.
The president made the announcement while addressing a public rally in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, which was televised live by the national broadcaster, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation.
The race, also called Freedom Torch, is staged every year in Dar es Salaam. It symbolizes freedom, hope and development.
"Since the race of the torch conducted throughout the country attracts crowds of people, I have decided to suspend it for this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic," Magufuli said.
He urged Tanzanians to avoid crowds as much as possible to protect themselves against the virus.
Tanzania has not reported any confirmed COVID-19 cases yet.
