Galmadug speaker says Coronavirus cannot survive in harsh climate as Somalia quarantines 4

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Coronavirus pandemic may not have a devastating impact in arid regions, a senior Somali official has sensationally claimed, even as thousands continue to succumb worldwide.

Already, over 4,000 people have died from the virus, with China, the epicenter of the disease leading, closely followed by Italy in Europe and Iran in the Middle East, the World Health Organization said.

But Dr. Mohamed Nur Ga'al, the Galmadug recently elected speaker, has cast aspersions to the pandemic, arguing that Africa may not be affected due to "harsh climate".

The sensational claims are part of conspiracy theories being peddled across the world, even as scientists race against time to find amicable vaccination to avert for further tragedy.

"Dear Abdirashid Hashi Don't fear covid_19 cannot survive in Africa's harsh climate, but May Allah protect us," he said in a tweet, Monday.

Dr. Ga'al was elected in February as speaker albeit controversially after claims that he was enjoying backing from Villa Somalia, which is accused of "interference with federal states" ahead of December polls.

However, Africa has recorded a series of deaths from suspected Coronavirus according to WHO. Interestingly, Algeria and Egypt, which are relatively hot, are leading in terms of new infections.

"With all due respect sir, Covid19 is a serious public threat, it has been confirmed in Saudi Arabia which has harsher climate than we do so kindly take the necessary precautions," Zubeir Ahmed, a student in China, cautioned him.

Like many East Africa nations, Somalia's health ministry on Thursday confirmed that "no Coronavirus case" has been reported and warned media against "spreading" unverified information.

But four Somalis have been quarantined at Aden Adde International Airport after their visit to China, although they didn't show any symptoms of Coronavirus, the ministry said in a statement.

Those confined to isolation traveled from China between 10th-11th this month, amid escalating cases of the mysterious virus which has paralyzed operations around the world, including grounding the economy, it added.

It, however, seems that conspiracy theories are now common across the world over the virus. For instance, a senior Chinese official on Thursday accused the US of "manufacturing" the virus.

"CDC was caught on the spot. When did patient zero begin in the US? How many people are infected? What are the names of the hospitals?" Lijian Zhao tweeted.

"It might be the US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan. Be transparent! Make public your data! The US owes us an explanation!"

Most countries have suspended flights, sporting activities and social gatherings as a precaution to the spread of the virus. It first emanated in Wuhan city in China.

GAROWE ONLINE