Eritrea on Friday claimed that it had brought the number of coronavirus infections down to zero, becoming the first East African country to win the battle against the deadly disease, at least for now.

"Indeed, it is vital that every citizen continue to fully adhere to, and diligently implement, the government of Eritrea guidelines in force until the ongoing task of detailed and comprehensive assessment to gauge the spread of the pandemic in the entire country with full certainty is accomplished" it said.

Since Asmara reported its first Covid-19 case on March 21, the country has since enforced a series of rigorous containment measures, including nationwide lockdown to stem the spread.

We cannot state, at this stage, that the spread of Covid-19 has been curtailed fully in view of the nature and gravity of the disease, the prevailing global and regional realties and trends, as well as the substantial proportion of asymptomatic cases that may exist at any point in time" the task force underscored.

MASS TESTING

To maintain the flattened curve, the Eritrean government has decided for the launch of a "random and extensive testing to gauge the spread of Covid-19 in the country in a comprehensive and more reliable manner".