South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir on Tuesday issued an order imposing a night-time curfew, as the country steps up efforts to prevent the new coronavirus.

The measure takes effect on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference in Juba this afternoon, Interior Minister Paul Mayom Akec said people will have to stay home from 8pm until 6am across South Sudan until further notice.

Akec further said health conditions requiring movements of ambulances, broadcast journalists on duty and network operators on duty would be exempted.

"The order is in compliance of the republican order issued by the President for the protection of the citizens of South Sudan from the health risk of COVID-19," he explained.

The interior minister said the curfew will be strictly enforced.

The move comes after South Sudan closed schools and suspended direct flights to countries affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

South Sudan which has not yet registered any case of coronavirus is stepping up its efforts to prevent the new coronavirus pandemic.