KINSHASA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Health Minister Eteni Longondo announced on Saturday the confirmation of five new COVID-19 cases on Friday night in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
According to minister, these five new cases diagnosed on Friday night are all Congolese nationals living in the provincial city of Kinshasa whose response teams are currently taking care of them for effective treatment.
With the confirmation of these five new cases, the DR Congo has totaled 23 cases confirmed since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Congolese minister also announced the first death under treatment in a hospital in Kinshasa on Friday night. According to several sources, the man who was infected with COVID-19 and placed in quarantine for a few days in Kinshasa died of respiratory problems during his treatment.
On Thursday, President Felix Tshisekedi, announced several measures of restrictions including the suspension until further notice from this Friday of flights from all countries at risk and in transit on Congolese territory, and the strengthening border security measures, including the quarantine of all passengers at risk. Schools and several other activities are also suspended throughout the national territory.
This Friday the health minister reassured that the other patients under treatment in the isolation centers are stable.
