After
the confirmation of few newly reported cases of covid-19 in Bakau, the Ministry
of Health on Sunday embarked on a massive collection of samples from residents
of Bakau – designed to stem the spread of the virus.
The
mass sample collection exercise was held at both Bakau Community Center and
Bakau Lower and Upper Basic School. It is expected to end today.
“We
are doing this exercise in the community of Bakau to help their inhabitants to
know their status about the virus. We are urging all the people of Bakau
especially those around Cape Point where some of the new confirmed cases
emanated from to come out and be tested so as to know their status,” Buba
Darboe, programme officer Health Communication told The Point.
He
added that it is also very important for one to know his/her status earlier to
ascertain whether they have been infected with the virus or not for self and
family protection.
“If
a patient knows his/her covid-19 status earlier, it helps him/her and
government as well. This is important as it helps the community of Bakau and
the country at large to minimise the danger surrounding covid-19.”
“Some
victims of the confirmed cases of covid-19 have never experience the signs and
symptoms of the coronavirus. One might have the disease without experiencing
some of the signs and symptoms.”
Buba,
who also doubles as the vice chair, Community Risk Engagement Committee of
Ministry of Health urged the community of Bakau to come out and get tested so
as to help the Gambia in its quest of fighting coronavirus.
For
his part, Sherriff Gomez, former minister of Youth and Sports, said that that
was a very important exercise for not only Bakau but the entire country.
“This
exercise is very important for the community because there is a discovery
around the people of Bakau. We are in a state of emergency and there should be
an enforcement of total lockdown from government so as to conduct a mandatory
testing exercise.”
He
added that it is very important for one to get tested so as to help them as a
people and the country at large to know their status about covid-19, adding that
people need to get tested so as to get help, get isolated and treated.
Modou
Lamin Sidibeh, a native of Bakau who came for voluntary testing observed that
the turnout was a bit low. He opined that this may be lack of enough
communication within the community.
“There
should be a proper communication so that people can know what is happening in
their community. Coronavirus is real and deadly as it claimed so much many
lives including in The Gambia.”
He
called on the government to continue with such exercises as it could play an
important role in the fight against coronavirus in the country.
