The Mozambican government has ordered the closure of the country’s beaches to members of the public for two weeks as a precautionary measure to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Cabinet spokesperson Filmão Suazi said the decree would see 15 beaches being closed to the public until October 21.
“The decree aims to determine the closure for a period of 15 days of the beaches of Costa do Sol and Catembe in Maputo City; Ponta d’Ouro and Macaneta in Maputo province; Bilene and Xai-Xai in Gaza province; Praia da Barra, Tofo and Guinjata in the province of Inhambane; Praia de Estoril and Macuti in the city of Beira; Zalala in Quelimane; Fernão Veloso in the city of Nacala; and Wimbe Marrenganhe Sagai and Inos in the province of Cabo Delgado,” Suazi said.
Suazi said the decision to close the beaches was taken following the disregard of an earlier warning to beach-goers to adhere to COVID-19 safety measures.
The government reopened beaches for the recreation of bathers in September, with the consumption of alcohol, beach games and gatherings of people being prohibited.
These restrictions have, however, been ignored by the beach-goers, prompting the latest move by the government.
The move is targeted at sustaining the progress made by Mozambique in reducing the number of COVID-19 cases in the past few months.
The number of daily cases has declined to less than 100 during the past few weeks.
JN/APA