Zanzibar’s first vice president, wife contract virus

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania

Zanzibar’s First Vice President Seif Sharif Hamad is receiving treatment for the coronavirus, his party said Sunday.

Hamad, 77, was on Friday admitted at a hospital in Tanzania’s semi-autonomous archipelago.

“His doctors have advised him to remain under strict medical supervision as he receives treatment against the coronavirus,” said Ado Shaibu, secretary general of his party, Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT Wazalendo).

His wife and aides have also contracted the virus.

The party said the condition of Hamad and his wife is improving.

This development comes days after Tanzania’s president provoked outrage when he urged health authorities to shun COVID-19 vaccines. Instead, he asked citizens to inhale steam to quash the virus.