Somalia: Puntland restricts vehicle movements over COVID-19 pandemic

MOGADISHU, Somalia - As a measure to combat the possible spread of Coronavirus, Puntland state has imposed restrictions on vehicle movements, a directive which would affect travels within towns in the region.

The Somali Federal state in Somalia, which is usually credited for prevailing peace and tranquility, is yet to record any positive case for the COVID-19, although it has upscaled its internal operations to curb the spread.

In a circular released on Saturday and dispatched to all police stations, top police commanders were strictly asked to impose the ban on vehicle movements from one town to another, although within the jurisdictions of the state.

Brigadier General Bile Farah Ali, who is the Deputy Police Commander, said the ban will be implemented immediately, adding that "nobody will be spared, no matter your role or portfolio in the society".

He added: "All residents must strictly adhere to this directive. Those who violate it will be subjected to the rule of law. It's our duty to ensure everyone is safe as the world battles the pandemic."

Earlier, the administration under President Said Deni, issued a directive preventing people from gathering in mosques for prayers, which now limits chances of social distancing violations. World Health Organization has urged people to among others, observe social distancing.

Also, Puntland has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew, a move that has been under strict observation from authorities for a fortnight now. The curfew, authorities said, "will aid to minimize interactions".

Besides tough regulations imposed by FGS, just like Puntland, other federal states have stepped out in the fight against COVID-19, which has literally grounded economic activities globally, with the US among the worst affected.

For Instance, HirShabelle state, which recently lost justice minister Khalif Mumin Tohow to Coronavirus, has since banned flights within the region as a measure to combat the pandemic.

At Jowhar, the administration insisted that only planes carrying humanitarian aid will be allowed to land within the region. The directive only reinforced an earlier decree by FGS, which indefinitely suspended both domestic and international flights.

The battle against the disease comes at the time Muslims across the world are almost entering the crucial holy month of Ramadan, which is celebrated widely in all Islamic states. Somalia is one of the countries which cherishes the month.

As of Saturday, the Horn of Africa nation had confirmed 135 positive cases of COVID-19, seven deaths, and two recoveries. However, the figures are set to surge given that Somaliland announced two cases on Sunday.

Just like many countries, Somalia has also suspended learning activities. A lot of friendly nations have sent donations of medical supplies, with Turkey and United Arab Emirates leading, reports from FGS indicated.

Globally, 2.3 million people have been infected with the virus. Of that number, 140,000 have succumbed with 580,000 recovering, John Hopkins University data indicates. There are reports about reinfections in some parts of the Far East.

Hassan Ali Khaire, the Somali Prime Minister, on Friday asked citizens to respect curfews and other regulations, adding that "we might bury many" should people fail to adhere to simple regulations.

Mogadishu is so far the worst hit with the pandemic. Mostly positive cases have been quarantined in their respective homes due to scarcity of space within Martini Hospital, which is serving as the sole isolation facility.

GAROWE ONLINE