Somalia sees sharp rise in COVID-19 cases as 35 test positive in 24 hours

COVID-19 cases in Somalia Monday shot up dramatically with the country recording 35 cases in less than 24 hours bringing to 60 the number of cases in the Horn of Africa nation.

Prime Minister Hassan Khaire said in a tweet Monday evening 35 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours raising fears of a fast spread of the deadly disease. Only two days ago, four people tested positive for the virus.

Two people have since succumbed to the disease while two others have recovered. There were concerns earlier in the week of a possible uptick after it emerged HirShabelle Justice Minister Khalif Mumin who died of the disease had been ailing in Jowhar for a week and had been attended to by various religious leaders for prayers.

Somaliland announced three cases Monday.

Police Commissioner Gen. Abdi Hassan Mohamed announced Sunday a curfew will be imposed on Mogadishu daily from 8pm to 5am for indefinite period of time.

The dramatic increase in the COVID-19 cases is likely to strain the country’s weak health system.