Mali goes into lockdown to fight the Coronavirus pandemic

In light of the daily average of 150 new COVID-19 infections overwhelming hospitals this month in Mali, the government has put a coronavirus prevention measure into effect.

Harouna Mamadou Toureh, the Minister of Public Service and a government spokesperson addressed the media at a press conference on Friday.

"The state of emergency is adopted this Friday, December 18, 2020, and for a duration of 10 days. A decree regarding the state of health emergency covers a period of six months from December 18," he informed.

All public and private schools will close till January 10 of next year.

Leisure facilities — including bars, restaurants, and clubs will also be shut down and all types of gatherings such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals will be limited to 50 people during the lockdown.