Skip to main content
MAGWI - 9 Jul 2020

Magwi residents urged to follow COVID-19 preventive measures

A health official in Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria state has urged residents to strictly follow preventive measures against Coronavirus and asked the security sector to enforce the measures to minimize the spread of the virus.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Dr. Martin Okot, the COVID-19 taskforce chairperson and county health director said law enforcement agents should ensure people avoid large gatherings and maintain the rules on social distancing.

“They have started breaking the rules, we are facing challenges because social gatherings like video places resumed operations in June. Some churches are operating, playing of cards and dominoes resumed, but the measures must be enforced,” he said.

The health official said it is the mandate of law enforcement officers in the county to ensure that citizens follow health guidelines.

According to Okot, county authorities recently apprehended 10 returnees who sneaked into South Sudan from neighbouring Uganda, but they were released and quarantined in their homes.

“There are some people who are still sneaking.  Last week, 10 people who crossed through Owinykibul border were detained, but released and have to be in their houses for 14 days,” he explained.

South Sudan has so far recorded 2,129 cases of COVID-19. The country has seen a rapid rise in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 since its outbreak was first reported in the country in April.