Moz probes fake Covid-free certificates

MAPUTO - The health authority overseeing Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, has said an investigation will be opened following reports of an ongoing trade in documents certifying a negative result for Covid-19.

Mozambique and neighbouring South Africa require travellers to present a Covid-19 free certificate from a test taken 72 hours before travel.

The tests, however, are mostly done in private hospitals, and cost between $41 and $97, which many consider to be very expensive.

The Maputo Provincial Health Director, Daniel Chemane, said on Tuesday that the authorities will try to find out who was behind the fake Covid-19-free certificates which are being sold for $7 on the black market.

Mozambican traders cross the border into South Africa frequently to buy stock for their businesses and want the government to come up with a Covid-19 testing system that they can afford.

In Kenya, the education ministry has said masks will be distributed to needy students.

The Education Minister George Magoha said the government would begin sending funds to public schools starting from today.

Face coverings reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking.

When worn correctly, they should cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission.

They can help to reduce the spread of the virus from people who are contagious, including those who have no symptoms, or are yet to develop them.