Message from Ambassador Riitta Swan to Finns in Tanzania
The Covid-19 virus has now also landed in Tanzania. The situation seems to be under control, but unfortunately, we cannot exclude worse developments in the future. Our most vital task now is to support Finnish citizens in Tanzania.
Dear Countrymen,
The Covid-19 virus has now also landed in Tanzania. The situation seems to be under control, but unfortunately, we cannot exclude worse developments in the future.
The Covid-19 virus is a global phenomenon. Africa seems to have been the last continent which is affected by the virus. Even if we do not yet see so many measures taken in Tanzania, the case can be different soon.
In Finland, several severe measures have been taken including a State of Emergency. Covid-19 affects also our work and our services at the Embassy in Dar es Salaam.
A few members of our staff and most of the family members have already left the country, and mostly only the most essential staff is in place. We rotate working at the Embassy so that half of the team works from home offices every second week. This is our way to minimize infections.
Our most vital task now is to support Finnish citizens in Tanzania
As you have noticed, Tanzania has put strong measures in place at the airports to hinder the Covid-19 virus from entering the country. Many airlines have cancelled flights to Tanzania and we cannot be certain how long there will still be flights from Tanzania abroad. If you plan to leave Tanzania and go home the time for that is now.
The rainy season is just about to start with some related disease, such as malaria. If there will be many Covid-19 cases in this country my estimation is that most of the health care resources will be directed to cure these patients.
In the development cooperation, bilateral development cooperation programmes are adjusting their work plans. This would be a temporary suspension of all activities. Trainings, meetings and any activities which would involve gathering larger numbers of people together are being cancelled or postponed. Tanzania NGO counter-partners to which Finland provides support are adjusting their plans as well.
Dear Countrymen,
Remember to wash your hands well with soap and keep distant with other people. Do not participate in large gatherings of people and be vigilant of what is happening in the society.
Take care,
Riitta Swan
Ambassador of Finland to Tanzania