South Sudan resumes local and international flights as Covid-19 cases rise

South Sudan has reopened its airports and announced the resumption of both domestic and international flights despite the rise in Covid-19 cases.

South Sudan's Civil Aviation CEO David Subek Dada said the country’s airspace opened on Tuesday, in line with the president’s directive to ease lockdown restrictions.

However, travelers will be required to observe the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health in order to be allowed to travel.

The measures include observing social distance, wearing masks and spraying all aircrafts on arrival.

International travelers are also required to produce medical certificates from countries of origin declaring them Covid-19 free and agree to be subjected to a 14-day quarantine upon arrival in South Sudan.

On March 24, South Sudan closed all airports and borders in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The country reported its first coronavirus case on April 5.

Today, the number of confirmed cases in South Sudan is 203, with no fatalities and only two recoveries, according to worldometer.com.

It now joins other African countries that have eased their lockdown restrictions.

Yesterday, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the country’s lockdown will be eased slightly in the coming days. More businesses and shop will be allowed to operate and there will be fewer restrictions. The country has been the worst hit in Africa with about 12,000 confirmed cases and 219 deaths.