Gabon eases lockdown restriction in state capital

The Republic of Gabon has eased lockdown restrictions in the capital, Libreville, and three neighbouring municipalities.

The government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew and allowed shops to reopen. Schools and places of worship will remain closed.

Movement out of the capital has also been restricted to avoid the possible spread of coronavirus to other provinces, BBC says.

Explaining the motive behind the move, Prime Minister Julien Nkoghe Bekale said it was to avoid a breakdown of the society- what Bekale termed "social destabilisation" if people were unable to earn a living.

"We are approaching the peak of the epidemic, which could come between the end of May and mid-June," he was quoted by AFP as saying.

Gabon has so far confirmed 211 cases of coronavirus including three deaths.