Thursday August 20, 2020
GAROWE (HOL) - Travelers leaving and entering Puntland are required to pay $68 for COVID-19 testing, double that recommended by the Federal Government.
A receipt from one of the travelers seen by HOL shows that travelers pay $68 to be tested for COVID-19.
Some of the travelers who spoke to HOL complained the amounts were prohibitive especially in light of economic difficulties occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.The Federal Ministry of Health initially indicated that travelers will be charged no more that $30 for COVID-19 testing at airport facilities.Somalia resumed international flights early this month after suspension in April following an upsurge in COVID-19.
As of Wednesday, Somalia had recorded 3,265 COVID-19 cases with 93 fatalities. Another 2,393 people have since recovered from the disease.