The announcement was made in Luanda, at a press conference, by the Minister of State and of the President's Civil Household, Adão de Almeida, who updated the rules of the presidential decree regarding the situation of public calamity due to covid-19 that will be in force until April 10.
In general terms, the measures in effect as of 00h00 on March 12 will remain in place for the next 30 days, including the sanitary fence in Luanda, due to the appearance of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
However, direct flights to Portugal, Brazil and South Africa may be resumed. Among the changes are also the decision to suspend the resumption of preschool activities, scheduled for March 15, and the end of restrictions on religious services that until now could only be held four times a week.
The rules remain the maximum occupation up to 50 percent of the space's capacity, respect for physical distance between worshippers, and permanent sanitation of the space, said Adão de Almeida.
Questioned about whether the decision could have negative effects due to the non-compliance of the prevention measures by the citizens, namely in the transports and parties that multiply in Luanda, the minister said that it is not possible to watch every citizen and admitted that there is "a certain fatigue", with the restrictions that already last for a year.
However, the minister stressed that "the message has to be intensified" and that relaxing the measures may mean losing everything that has been conquered with a lot of sacrifice.
"What we have to do is continue to raise awareness and clarify people", highlighted Adão de Almeida, admitting that the competent bodies will have to be "more incisive in the inspection and application of sanctions".
The Health Minister also stressed the need to comply with the rules in force, including the use of masks, social distancing, and avoiding gatherings and parties.
"We can't continue with this kind of attitude," warned Silvia Lutucuta.
