Sudan has shut its eastern border with Ethiopia following a spike in COVID-19 infections in Al-Qadarif state, the Sudan Tribune news website reported on Tuesday.

Al-Qadarif state is one of the main entry points for people fleeing conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region.

According to the BBC, the number of arrivals was close to 70,000 by last week.

The move by Sudan to close the border was made to "prevent the entry of foreigners except those determined by the authorities".

Exempted cases will have to go through strict health procedures before gaining entry.

Sudan has so far reported 30,111 COVID-19 infections with 2,063 deaths.

Various government-imposed containment measures remain in place, including a mandatory wearing of face masks while in public.

Sudan launched its COVID-19 mass vaccination exercise in early march following the arrival of Over 800,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Healthcare workers and people above 45 years old with chronic medical conditions have been prioritized in the initial stage as the government aims to curb further spread of the virus.

(With input from agencies)