Guinea-Bissau extends state of calamity with curfew throughout country — A view of the central Avenida dos Combatentes da Liberdade da Pátria avenue in Guinea-Bissau’s capital Bissau, with the Mercado de Bandim market hall on the left. November 3, 2017 (Creative Commons / Joe Hawkins)

The government of Guinea-Bissau declared by decree on Thursday night the extension of the state of calamity for 15 days with a curfew throughout the national territory.

According to a government press release, this decree comes into effect on Friday, August 27, from midnight until 11:59 p.m. on September 10, 2021.

In addition, the government has taken the decision to establish a curfew throughout the country, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

According to the authorities, the decision to extend the state of calamity and to institute a curfew is due to the upsurge of new cases of contamination in recent weeks and the registration of several cases of death linked to the new coronavirus.

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Guinea-Bissau [FILES] President Umaro Sissoco Embalo (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP)

“This third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is more aggressive and continues to accelerate in the country”, even though certain sports, cultural and religious activities have been maintained under the condition of strict compliance with health measures, the government said.

The government has also announced the reduction of non-essential staff in some public and private workplaces. Wearing a mask and physical distancing in public places remain compulsory.

Health authorities are urging people to avoid gatherings and other demonstrations that could bring together large numbers of participants.

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