Mozambique announces coronavirus state of emergency

Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi has announced a state of emergency for 30 days, effective from Wednesday, intended to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Strict measures would be implemented such as limiting the movement of people, closing border points and banning gatherings, including those at places of worship, he said.

People who had recently travelled outside the country or had had contact with confirmed cases would be quarantined, the president added during a televised address on Monday.

The southern African nation has eight positive cases of Covid-19, two of which are local transmissions.

The move, which must be approved by parliament, was informed by recommendations from the health and security authorities, President Nyusi said.