Luanda — A new 15-day state of emergency period going until May 25 has taken effect as from 00:00 am on Monday, as part of the measures put in place to contain the expansion of the covid-19 pandemic in the country.

Until now, Angola has recorded 45 positive cases of covid-19, two deaths and 13 recoveries, all brought in by people who came from countries with community circulation of the deadly virus.

One of the innovations included in the Presidential Decree that lays down the terms of the new state of emergency is the expansion of the days for informal commercial activity and street vending.

As part of the new measures laid out by the Government, from May 11 marketplaces and street vendors will be free to operate from Tuesday to Saturday from 06am to 01pm, contrary to the previous period of Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 6am to midday.

Luanda's lockdown remains in place, with entry and exit banned, while circulation of people and goods will remain effective in the other 17 provinces of the country for commercial activity.