US embassy in Tanzania raises concern on rising and unreported Covid-19 cases

The US embassy in Tanzania has raised concern over the rising and unreported Covid-19 cases in the country.

A health alert issued on May 13, 2020 said the risk of contracting COVID-19 in Dar es Salaam, a major city and commercial port, is extremely high.

“Despite limited official reports, all evidence points to exponential growth of the epidemic in Dar and other locations in Tanzania,” the statement reads.

According to the American embassy, the Tanzanian government has not released any data on COVID since April 29, so there is no current data on the number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 in the country.

It further notes that many hospitals in Dar es Salaam have been overwhelmed in recent weeks.

“Limited hospital capacity throughout Tanzania could result in life-threatening delays for medical care, including for those with COVID-19,” the embassy statement adds.

U.S. citizens residing in Tanzania have been urged to remain home except for essential activities such as grocery shopping.

They are also advised to substantially limit entry of people into their private homes except regular residents.

“U.S. citizens who remain in Tanzania should be prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. The U.S. government does not anticipate arranging additional repatriation flights in Tanzania at this time. However, in the event that opportunity becomes available, we are asking you to let us know if you are interested in being contacted,” the embassy said.

The Government of Tanzania suspended all international passenger planes on April 11 and international commercial flight options no longer exist in the country.