The
outbreak of the deadly corona virus is dominating local and international
headlines as the number of reported cases grows by the day. Governments around
the world are limiting travel - both inward and outward - to curb the movement
of people.
The
virus has not only crippled global supply chains, but has also paralysed global
markets and other institutions.
Already,
the deadly virus has a serious consequence on The Gambia’s economy as the
overall impact of covid-19 is estimated at 2.5 billion dalasis. On the
financial aspect, there is need for stricter expenditure control and planning
to lessen or mitigate the impact and ensure that sound economic gains.
Though
there is no reported case yet, but how prepared are we to contain any
unforeseen cases.
Since
the onset of the covid-19 outbreak, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) has
played a major role in preventive and mitigation measures. The increased public
sensitisation about the signs and symptoms by health experts is also paying
dividend.
But
we believe social distancing, voluntary self-quarantine, staying home when
sick, avoiding large crowds and the cancellation of events, entertainment and
cultural events would also help a great deal.
The
deployment of health teams at the country’s main exit and entry points by the
Ministry of Health is a move in the right direction.
More
importantly, we believe the president should talk to the nation as to the state
of the country’s preparedness to contain the deadly virus. The virus is not
just any virus, since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared it as a
public health emergency of international concern. The World Health Organisation
further warned that the coronavirus pandemic is a “defining global health
crisis of our time”. Thus, The Gambia should make it mandatory to screen all
visitors especially those through our porous borders.
Globally,
the virus has now infected more than 164,000 people and killed at least 6,500.
Therefore, it is a race against time and let’s step-up efforts to keep the
deadly virus at bay. Thus, there is no room for complacency.
“The
international community should treat this as a window of opportunity to ramp up
preparedness and response.”
Margaret
Chan
