FILE - A banner of Tanzanian President John Magufuli adorns a wall in Merelani, Tanzania

So far, five people have died from the coronavirus in Tanzania, where social gatherings have been suspended and schools closed, but places of worship remain open and people still move about without restrictions.
 
The appeal for prayers comes as Tanzania canceled this year’s April 26 national holiday commemorating the 1964 merger of Tanganyika and Zanzibar to become Tanzania because of the virus outbreak.  
 
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said Magufuli is redirecting the $217,000 set aside for the holiday celebrations to go toward fighting the coronavirus in the country.