In light of the daily average of 150 new covid-19 infections overwhelming hospitals this month in Mali, the government has put a coronavirus prevention measure into effect

The Minister of Public Service and a government spokesperson, Harouna Mamadou Toureh, addressed the media at a press conference on Friday.

"The state of emergency is adopted this Friday, December 18, 2020, and for a duration of 10 days. A decree regarding the state of health emergency covers a period of six months from December 18," he informed.

All public and private schools will close till January 10 of next year, the statement added.

Leisure facilities including bars, restaurants, and clubs will also be shut down and all types of gatherings such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals will be limited to 50 people during the lockdown.