BISSAU, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The government of Guinea-Bissau announced on Tuesday to ease certain COVID-19 restrictions, including the reopening of borders and the authorization of movement for public transport.
Regarding the reopening of the borders, the authorities require that all passengers entering Guinea-Bissau present at the borders a medical certificate indicating that the passenger has tested negative for COVID-19.
However, all the residents of Guinea-Bissau's nine regions are still confined to their regions, and not allowed to travel between regions.
The condition that the government requires for this "partial deconfinement" is rigorous compliance with barrier gestures, especially in public transport where the distancing of passengers must be respected and all passengers must wear masks.
Public transport can only operate at half capacity, and there is a limit of three passengers for all taxis.
According to the government, the curfew is maintained, but people can now go out for one hour between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. local time. All cafes, restaurants and bakeries can only do take-aways.
Prime Minister Nuno Gomes Na Biam said the easing of restrictive measures allows the population to relax a little after two months of restriction and gradually resume their economic activities.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo extended earlier in the day the state of emergency again throughout the national territory by 15 days until June 10.
The West African country has isolated itself since March 17 when the government ordered the closure of all borders and suspension of all international flights. Several other measures have also been taken, including the closing of restaurants, bars, places of worship and schools, as well as the ban on gatherings and circulation of people.
Due to a lack of lab materials, the national laboratory sometimes could not carry out tests. Guinea-Bissau on Monday received a third batch of medical supplies, including testing kits, from China's Jack Ma and Alibaba foundations.
So far, Guinea-Bissau has reported 1,178 confirmed cases, including seven deaths and 42 recoveries. Enditem
