State news: 2 associates of Sudan's premier contract virus

Two of Sudanese prime minister's close associates and president of central bank have tested positive for coronavirus, Sudan's state news ncy said Thursday.

SUNA news ncy said Prime Minister Abduallah Hamdok's senior visor, Al-Sheikh Khedr, and his office manr, Ali Bakheet, have tested positive for COVID-19, illness caused by virus.

Central Bank of Sudan Gov. Mohamed Alfatih Zain Alabdeen has also tested positive for virus, SUNA said.

Hamdok has tested negative for virus, SUNA said, quoting a statement released by his Cabinet.

new cases among Hamdok's inner circle were discovered after a routine coronavirus test of premier's staff and associates, according to report.

So far, Sudan has recorded more than 13,700 cases, including 837 deaths. actual COVID-19 tally is believed to be higher given country’s limited testing.

Also on Thursday, Sudan’s largest political party anunced its leer, Siq al-Mahdi, tested positive for virus.

Al-Mahdi, he of National Umma Party, h recently suffered from fatigue but is starting to recover, according to a statement posted on party's official Facebook p.

Al-Mahdi was country’s last democratically elected premier who was overthrown in a 1989 Islamist-backed coup that brought longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir to power. Last year, military forced al-Bashir to step down after sweeping protests rocked Sudan for months. A transitional government of generals and civilians has been in charge until elections are held.

anuncements Thursday came shortly after World Health Organization said COVID-19 pandemic has reached “an alarming juncture” in eastern Mediterranean countries, including Sudan.

Speaking at a virtual news conference in Cairo on Thursday, Rana Hajjeh, WHO director of program manment, said eastern Mediterranean countries have recorded more than 3 million confirmed cases and over 75,000 deaths.

“Case numbers are expected to grow at an increasing rate during winter season,” said Hajjeh.

WHO's eastern Mediterranean office covers 21 states and Palestinian territories, with a total population of over 580 million. Like Europe, se countries are bracing for a tough winter season where health care systems are expected to grapple with compounded burden of seasonal flu.

“Our first and foremost line of defense in battle against COVID-19 remains preventive public health and social measures,” said Hajjeh. She deplored public negligence in wearing masks and social distancing in region.

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