Somalia confirms 65 new COVID-19 cases

MOGADISHU,

Somalia's health ministry on Thursday confirmed 65 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total tally of infections to 1,284.

The majority of the cases are being reported from Banadir region, making it the epicenter of the pandemic in the country. The cases are largely due to community transmission.

Fawziya Abikar, the health minister, said one person succumbed to the disease, bringing the total number of fatalities to 53.

She said five people recovered from COVID-19, raising the total number of people who have been discharged from hospitals to 135.

The UN said it is providing life-saving assistance to detect, prevent and interrupt the transmission of the disease, as well as ensuring access to essential health care services.

Somalia has instituted measures to contain the possible spread of COVID-19, including closing schools, banning large gatherings and suspending international and domestic passenger flights. (Xinhua)