Legislators
on Tuesday put forward distinct preventive methods that they think could save
the country from the novel coronavirus (covid-19).
Muhammad
Maharena, the National Assembly Member (NAM) for Sandu, suggested that all
imported newspapers be banned to protect the country from all forms of virus.
Hon.
Maharena made these remarks during a debate that sought to adopt the report of
the National Assembly’s Select Committee on Health, Women, Children, Disaster,
Humanitarian Relief and Refugees over their visits to the country’s entry
points.
He
cited Senegal as an example where no shop is using the newspapers to wrap food
items.
He said the borders in the Upper River Region
(URR) are very porous and very close to Senegal, and therefore, if there are no
proper measures put in place by the Ministry of Health to protect the people,
the country will be at risk.
Omar
Ceesay, NAM for Niamina East argued that all Gambian borders should be closed
considering the way and manner the coronavirus transmits.
Momodou
Camara, NAM for Foni Bantang Karania, suggested a ban on all the second hands
clothes from Europe and other parts of the world from entering the country so
as to protect “our citizens from this outbreak.”
Halifa
Sallah, the Serrekunda lawmaker, said the Ministry of Health, Education and
Foreign Affairs should work together and assess the health situation of the
Gambian students studying in China and other parts of the world.
Suwaibou
Touray, NAM for Wuli East stated that the major referral hospital should not be
used as a treatment center for any suspected case of the virus in this country.
He
called on the Ministry of Health to start public outreach within schools across
the country as most of the school children can’t read newspapers and many of
them will not have access to radios.
Alfusainey
Ceesay, NAM for Sami called on the government to issue a press release to ban
all public gatherings in The Gambia as a way of preventing the virus.
Sulayman
Saho, NAM for Central Badibou, urged government to empower health workers
across the country so that they can do their work effectively and protect the
country from the coronavirus.
