Religious lockdown

Sierra Leone’s government has declared a five-day lockdown in the country’s north to step up efforts to contain the Ebola epidemic, while making an exception for Christmas. ‘‘Muslims and Christians are not allowed to hold services in mosques and churches throughout the lockdown except for Christians on Christmas Day,’’ Alie Kamara, resident minister for the Northern Region, said. The lockdown was designed ‘‘to intensify the containment of the Ebola virus‘‘, he said.

UNITED STATES