Senegal and Ivory Coast declare coronavirus emergencies

The governments of Senegal and Ivory Coast have declared states of emergency in both countries over the outbreak of the coronavirus. 

Senegal’s President Macky Sall announced that the state of emergency would commence from midnight on Tuesday, with a curfew to be imposed from 20:00 to 06:00 local time. 

Police and military personnel have been ordered to enforce these measures.

The announcement was made in an address to the nation on Tuesday in which the president acknowledged that the country was struggling to contain the spread of the virus.

“Since the appearance of the first case on 2 March, the government has put in place a plan to stem the progression of the disease. But, obviously, we're not there yet,” he said.

Mr Sall announced that a $1.5bn solidarity and response fund would be set up, while $80m will be devoted to emergency food aid. 

Senegal has so far confirmed 79 cases of coronavirus, with eight people believed to have already recovered. Efforts are ongoing to track down over 1,500 people who are suspected to have been in contact with the infected persons. 

In Ivory Coast, President Alssane Ouattara said the government would be rolling out gradual confinement measures and also introduced a curfew from 21:00 to 05:00, starting Tuesday. 

Mr Ouattara declared a state of emergency in the country and ordered all bars to close and all movement to cease between the capital, Abidjan, and the rest of the country without special authorisation. 

Photo: Getty Images