As you will be aware, South Sudan currently has 74 confirmed COVID-19 cases. This means the virus is present in the broader community.
News
![](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/srsg_press_conference_3.jpg?itok=ycGjun_F)
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General/Head of UNMISS, David Shearer, held a virtual press conference on COVID-19 at the mission's headquarters in Juba, South Sudan, today.
![unmiss south sudan protection of civilians engineers hospital renovation humanitarian assistance Abienmom peacekeepers peacekeeping hospital COVID-19 coronavirus](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/olivier_1_resized.jpg?itok=egX9Wqx7)
Mongolian peacekeepers serving with UNMISS used their engineering expertise to renovate the Abiemnhom Hospital which was in disrepair after years of war. They repaired and painted walls, fixed the electricity supply and extended the cabling system so that it reaches all the hospital’s main rooms. The engineers created a special isolation room for COVID-19 patients, installed new water tanks, hand washing facilities, and handed over a wide variety of medical supplies.
![unmiss south sudan juba protection of civilians COVID-19 precautions WHO coronavirus social distancing outreach sensitization](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/isaac_1.jpg?itok=XTxBtc51)
UNMISS has partnered with the newly-formed Citizens Taskforce on Covid-19, a group comprising of citizens from every walk of life in South Sudan, to address misconceptions about coronavirus and complement efforts made by government authorities to tackle the pandemic.
![unmiss south sudan bentiu protection of civilians COVID-19 precautions WHO coronavirus social distancing handwashing](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/ruai_1_resized.jpg?itok=lcgsaC5k)
A young South Sudanese man washes his hands. Frequent and thorough handwashing is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
![unmiss south sudan juba protection of civilians COVID-19 precautions WHO coronavirus Ghana physical distancing sensitization](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/ghana_2.jpg?itok=HEQzMjKk)
UNMISS peacekeepers from Ghana recently teamed up with numerous nongovernmental organizations as well as representatives from the local government to raise awareness on COVID-19 preventative measures among communities living in Adok, Muom and Ding-Ding.
With confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Sudan, raising awareness among local communities about preventive measures remains a key priority for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), humanitarian partners and local authorities.
![unmiss south sudan bor covid-19 prevention resistance radio miraya panel discussion](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/distance_washing_bor.jpg?itok=zdpR39ig)
Hand washing and social distancing demonstrated in Bor, where many people have a hard time complying with COVID-19 prevention measures.
![unmiss south sudan protection of civilians child soldiers humanitarian partners Yambio peacekeepers peacekeeping vocational skills reintegration](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/child_soldiers_2.jpg?itok=51OihyeD)
With newly-acquired skills courtesy a six-month vocational training programme, Malis*, a former child soldier, has started a carpentry workshop in Yambio where he uses his talents to produce necessary items for the local community at affordable rates.