Africa-Press – Mozambique. Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi on Thursday lifted several of the restrictive measures imposed by the government in a bid to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The measures, taking effect as from midnight on 24 September, come as a result of a sharp decline in the number of new daily Covid-19 infections and deaths but also because of the mass vaccination roll-out underway which has been reducing the severity of the disease.
In his address to the nation, given from the northern city of Pemba, Nyusi announced the re-opening of pre-school education, but warned that any creches or kindergartens which have not been able to create the necessary health conditions will remain shut.
All other education sectors, from primary to university level, are already allowed to operate with face-to-face classes,
The trading hours for small shops selling consumer products has been extended for one hour and they will now trade between 06.00 and 18.00, Bottle stores and other venues selling alcoholic drinks will open at 09.00 hours and close at 15.00, while previously they had to close at 13.00. On Sundays and holidays they must remain shut.
“Non-compliance with these measures may imply mandatory closure until new orders have been issued,” Nyusi warned.
He added that theatres, cinemas, cultural centres, and the like may re-open but should not exceed 30 per cent of their maximum capacity. Museums and galleries are already open, but may now be attended by 40 per cent rather than 20 per cent of their capacity.
Place of worship are authorised to re-open, but their congregations may not exceed 50 people for services held indoors, and 100 for services in the open air.
Nyusi has also authorised the resumption of top-level sports training activities as well as for teams competing in the provincial championship.
“I am talking about the provincial championships because we will demand from the organisers strict control,” he said, stressing that Covid-19 rapid tests may be introduced for some of the sports disciplines.
The number of people in the multi-purpose fitness centres increases from 25 to 30 per cent of capacity. The small gyms are now allowed to reopen, but they should not exceed 20 per cent of their maximum capacity.
Nyusi has also authorised public swimming-pools to reopen, but without exceeding 20 per cent of their maximum capacity. Beaches also reopen, but only for recreational activities and not for mass gatherings and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Swimmers should leave the beaches no later than 17.00.
“Just like shops and restaurants, the public pools must define their maximum capacity and display this number on a very visible place,” he stated.
The curfew in force in cities and towns has been cut by an hour, and will now run from 23.00 (instead of 22.00) to 04.00
Nyusi cautioned about the potential risk of an even more serious resurgence of the disease, urging Mozambicans to remain watchful and to comply with the measures of the health protocol put into place.
