H.E. Dr. John Pombe Magufuli, President of the United Republic of Tanzania has issued strong statments and taken actions to support his health, internal and foreign ministries in preventing the spread of the coronavirus within his territory.
While most countries’ coordination efforts are led by health practitioners responsible for testing, immigration officials who do screening at ports of entry and diplomats who coordinate efforts with international partners, President John Magufuli has stepped in to demonstrate to the public their governments’ commitment to safety.
Tanzania’s President Magufuli is no longer shaking hands, going by a picture shared by State House which showed him exchanging a foot greeting with opposition politician Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad.
The directive not to shake hands is one of several measures issued by the Health Ministry to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The other measures, which have also been implemented by other governments around the world include avoiding hugging, kissing and greeting people by hand to prevent the spread of the virus.
Tanzania has not registered any suspected cases.