At a swearing in ceremony for ministers on Tuesday, she announced plans for an expert task force to advise government on anti-coronavirus measures.

This departs from the hard stance by her predecessor John Magufuli, who often dismissed the presence of the coronavirus in Tanzania.

“Tanzania cannot isolate itself as an island in the fight against Covid-19,” said President Samia.

The president also hinted at major potential changes in the country’s foreign policy – directing the new foreign affairs minister, Liberata Mulamula, to set about mending international relations and saying “no country can walk alone. Cooperation is the only way”.