Somaliland government on Monday has decided to shut down mosques during all five daily and weekly Friday prayers for 4 weeks until further notice, the National Committee for the Preparedness and Response against Covid-19 has said.
The decision is in line with the precautionary measures aimed at curbing the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the committee said in an official statement.
- The Committee has further extended the closure of all learning institutions in Somaliland for another four weeks which will be starting on the 18th of April, 2020.
- The border with Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia will remain closed until the risk of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic situation changes for the better. Basic commodities will be allowed to pass through the border crossing points including the food, fuel, medical supplies, medical equipment, and trading items.
- The committee further disclosed that all ports will remain closed except Berbera port. Basic items such as food, fuel, medical items, medical equipment and trading commodities will be allowed to pass through.
- The committee has ordered that the bus drivers operating in major townships in Somaliland are ordered to reduce the passengers allowed to ferry by 50 % until it is proven that Somaliland is free from Covid-19 pandemic. The directive will take into effect starting on the 15th of April, 2020. Buses with 30 seats are allowed to ferry 15 passengers at a time. Buses with 15 seats are allowed to ferry 7 passengers at a time.
a. VITZ taxis can ferry 1 passenger
b. Probox can carry 2 passengers
c. As for auto rickshaw-three wheeled bajaj will be allowed to ferry one passenger at a time.
All Somaliland inter state buses are ordered to reduce their capacity by 50 % until it will be proven that the country is free from the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.
The directive will be operational on the 15th of April, 2020.
Buses with 60 seats will be allowed to ferry 30 passengers.
Buses with 30 seats are allowed to ferry 15 passengers.
Buses with 15 seats can ferry up to 7 passengers.
The changes pertaining to bus fares will be decided by the regional and district level authorities in conjunction with Bus associations and owners of the buses as soon as possible.
All foreigners currently staying illegally in Somaliland are ordered to leave and are given an ultimatum that they should leave the country within 5 days starting from the 15th of April, 2020.
The committee has informed the public that those who fail to comply with the directives are bound to face tough actions including fines and arrest.
