DR Congo authorities consider extending confinement zone

Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo are considering extending the confinement zone to more neighborhoods of the capital Kinshasa.

So far, La Gombe - an upmarket business and residential area - is the only part of Kinshasa where movement has been restricted and the current confinement measures are set to end on Monday.

At least two people have tested positive at checkpoints of the area’s entrances.

In addition, 300 people were identified as being in contact with coronavirus patients.

In their latest meeting, members of the government’s response team suggested extending the confinement area to neighbourhoods surrounding La Gombe. This suggestion now has to be approved by politicians.

If it goes ahead, this would allow mass testing to be carried out and public spaces to be decontaminated.

The extension would take in predominantly low-income areas, with fears poorer Kinshasa residents would be hit hardest.

One of Africa’s largest cities, Kinshasa, has 95% of confirmed Covid-19 cases recorded in country.