The Governor of Hiran region, Ali Jeite Osman has confirmed the death of 13 people with COVID-19 like symptoms in the region. He said the victims that died in the past 72 hours developed Coronavirus symptoms in Beledweyne and El Jalle locations respectively before their death. Speaking during a media briefing, Mr. Jeite also called upon the federal health department for help to prevent more cases related to the pandemic. “We are appealing to the federal government to provide us with supplies and equipment to curb the spread of the virus,” Governor Jeite said.
Health officials both in the region and the federal government did not comment on the claims by the regional official. According to the ministry of health and social services, Hirshabelle state has recorded eight positive cases related to COVID-19 since the outbreak in the country in late March. Somalia has 1,594 patients with a death toll of 61 people so far.
