Somalia records first case of COVID-19


Source: Hiiraan Online, Monday March 16, 2020

MOGADISHU (HOL) – Somalia has confirmed the first case of the novel corona virus making it the fourth country in East Africa after Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda to record the presence of the viral infection.

Health Minister Fawziya Abikar said the positive case was among the four individuals who were under quarantine after arrival from China.“Following the testing of the four persons who were under quarantine after arrival from China, one case has turned positive for corona virus,” the minister said.

Somalia now joins about 150 countries globally that have registered cases of the virus which emanated from China in December.

It is expected the government will be issuing directives following the arrival of the virus into the Horn of Africa nation which has a weak healthcare system.

Neighboring Kenya close all learning institutions starting Monday after two more cases were recorded.