United Nations in South Sudan announced new measures to support government’s efforts to prevent and prepare for the coronavirus to protect people of South Sudan and its staff.
UN in a statement clarified that these steps are similar to those adopted by many other countries around the world.
It said UN respects and will follow decisions made by the Government of South Sudan to protect the population from the pandemic.
UN pointed out that its staff members currently on leave in affected countries listed by the government are being advised not to return except for those personnel deemed essential to UN operations who would be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
The UN in South Sudan has also decided to suspend the travel of staff on rest and recuperation leave until April 15when the situation will be reviewed.
Activities that would have required hosting large gatherings of people are also being postponed in line with the government’s public health advice.
The United Nations’ priority is to protect the people of South Sudan and its staff who are here to serve.
The statement said ‘we have an important job to do and we cannot falter in carrying out our duties. For that reason, the UN will make every effort to continue its activities to protect civilians, build peace, provide humanitarian assistance and support development’.
It added that ‘We will also continue to support national-led COVID-19 prevention and preparedness efforts’.
Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Sudan and UN operations are continuing largely as normal across the country, providing protection, humanitarian assistance and supporting development.
Government recently announced restrictions on travelers entering South Sudan from a list of countries affected by local transmission of COVID-19 along with other public health measures.