Africa-Press – Mozambique. The Mozambican government warned on Tuesday that it might re-impose restrictive measures that were eased at the weekend, following the failure by many citizens to comply with measures intended to halt the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Addressing a media briefing on Tuesday in Maputo, at the end of the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers (Cabinet), the government spokesperson, Deputy Justice Minister Filimao Suaze, regretted the lack of compliance with public health measures.
“We would like to warn that the continuation of behaviour which is unlawful, negative, irresponsible and absolutely avoidable may lead to a reimposition of measures that were lifted as of Saturday,” Suaze said.
Announcing the easing of restrictive measures in an address to the nation last Thursday, President Filipe Nyusi said this was the result of a gradual reduction in the number of new Covid-19 infections and deaths, and also the mass vaccination rollout under way.
Mozambican beaches provided the main flashpoints for irresponsible behaviour. The government opened the beaches for exercise and swimming, but warned that no beach parties could be held, and there could be no consumption of alcohol.
Yet people gathered in large numbers in some beach resorts, as if the pandemic no longer existed. This was the case, for example, on the beaches of Costa do Sol (in Maputo), Wimbe (in the northern city of Pemba), Bilene (Gaza), and Tofo (Inhambane).
Here people gathered to drink alcohol and listen to loud music. Some of the beach goers, Suaze said, used several tricks to hoodwink the authorities such as burying the cooler boxes beneath the yellow sand, and using coloured plastic cups for drinking.
“Let’s not confuse the reopening of the beaches with the end of the pandemic”, he declared. “The beaches were reopened for swimming and not for large gatherings, which do not allow social distancing, and other measures necessary for combating Covid-19”.
“The government is in favour of reopened beaches”, he said, “but alcohol, crowds and loud music played from vehicles at the roadside are not allowed”.
He warned that, if matters did not improve, the government could simply close the beaches again.
