Burundi releases thousands from quarantine

Burundi has released 2,261 people who were quarantined in facilities around the country for observation.

Health Minister Thaddée Ndikumana said those released had shown no known symptoms of Covid-19, the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus.

It is unclear if they were tested for the disease.

The minister said 675 people will continue being quarantined.

Burundi has so far confirmed three cases of coronavirus, the second least in East Africa after South Sudan which has reported two cases.

The minister said 34 contacts of three confirmed cases had all tested negative.

The government has not restricted movement in and out of the country although arriving travellers must undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine.