Togo shuts churches, mosques as COVID-19 cases worsen

Following a “worrying spike” in coronavirus cases in previous weeks, Togo’s government has ordered all places of worship to close for one month starting on Friday.

Recently, Togo a country about eight million people has just recorded over 23,000 cases and 203 deaths but the true record could be higher given low testing rates.

On Wednesday, Didier Koumavi Ekouevi, president of the country’s scientific council, stated that, “The number of deaths keeps increasing.”

“In June, we had four deaths, on July 22 and on August 23. We are recording four times more patients

“Currently it’s one in, one out, even for those who have serious symptoms,”

Weddings and funerals, as well as cultural, athletic, and political activities, would be prohibited as of Friday, according to the authorities.

Bars and nightclubs have also been instructed to close down for the time being.

“Those who break the new rules will face penalties, according to the authorities. Due to a worrying upsurge of COVID-19 cases in our country… the government would like to issue a reminder that restrictive measures are still in place,” this was issued in a statement on Thursday.

Recall, Since March 2020, Togo has had its borders closed.

Togo has over 4,800 active cases, with officials warning that hospitals are overburdened.

The capital Lome’s main treatment centre has a capacity of 200 people, with 30 of them in intensive care.