More than 300 people who attempted to illegally enter South Sudan from neighboring Sudan and Uganda were arrested and quarantined at the borders, a health official said.

Speaking during the taskforce meeting in Juba on Sunday, Dr. Makur Koryom, the Undersecretary of the National Ministry of Health said those people were arrested at Nimule-Elegu and Renk border points as they attempted to illegally enter South Sudan.

Makur is also a member of the COVID-19 taskforce.

“The high-level taskforce applauds the efforts of security agents and the health workers in those areas for intercepting those people and protecting the country. The taskforce also reiterates its earlier resolution that new entrants through the borders will be quarantined for at least 14 days,” said Koryom.

He added, “Those found to have entered the country illegally will be arrested, quarantined and after the 14 days of quarantine, they will be arraigned in court for breaking the law”.

Last week, the national taskforce warned South Sudanese staying abroad against illegally entering the country.

The warning follows reports that citizens from COVID-19 affected nations evade health checkpoints and disappear into communities.

South Sudan, which has not yet registered any case of coronavirus, is stepping up its efforts to prevent the spread of the new pandemic.