Hospitals crowded with patients and successive peaks of new cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, “the third wave of Covid-19” worries the political and health authorities. At the end of the Council of Ministers’ meeting on Friday 18 June around the President and the Prime Minister, a video conference adopted new restrictions. No containment, but the measures are strong and affect all social strata; some economic activities will be stopped completely.
as reported from Kinshasa, Pascal Mulegwa
Bars, terraces, discos and nightclubs must be closed as they are considered vectors. But restaurants are allowed to work, but only until 21:00 and with a maximum capacity of 50%. Percentage imposed on churches “required to reduce the number of participants during worship”, but also to the public administration, as well as private companies. They are open, but with the same capacity: 50%. The authorities even encourage the use of telework.
Funeral attendants in funeral homes or at home are also prohibited. The deadly remains will be taken directly from the mortuary to the cemetery in a small committee. In public transport, only 50% of capacity is tolerated. Motorcycle taxis may only take one passenger.
Other measures made headlines. Such as keeping the curfew from 22:00 to 04:00 and banning sales on public roads; street vendors are now forced to work in the markets. Mask wear, hand washing machines, physical spacing, common actions are repeated.
Like the ban on public demonstrations by more than 20 people. The opposition and civil society condemn a policy of double standards, two measures on this point and accuse the authorities of not following themselves.
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