Mr.
President, it’s been a week since the country registered it first Covid-19 case
and health authorities have reported that the patient was in a stable
condition.
We thank God
that since then none has been confirmed positive.
Mr.
President, so far, over 300, 000 people worldwide have tested positive out of
which over 13,000 have died.
It would be
crucial if both religious, voluntary groups, CSO, politicians, media,
institutions and health authorities in
the country collectively participate in raising awareness about the preventive
measures we need to take, signs and symptoms of Covid-19, and its health
implications in all the major local languages.
Mr.
President, we urge your government to create good accommodation for people
identified for quarantine purposes.
The
Sanatorium situated after Mile 2 would be a good place for such purposes if the
place is well refurbished and the dumpsite removed.
Since your
government has allocated half a billion dalasis to strengthen the health sector
which is a good move, all necessary equipment should be made available to make
the work easier.
There should
be incentives such as transportation facilities, communication devices, credit
and fuel provided for the health workers.
The welfare
of healthcare givers at the borders should be improved by providing for them
good accommodation, facilities, food, security and regular briefing to expose
them to what they are expected to do. The business community should also be invited
to participate in the crusade.
Mr.
President, it will also be good if both The Gambia and Senegal work together to
defeat Covid-19 in both countries. Both countries need each other and for now,
it would be ideal for medical personnel and security officials from both
countries to work together at the borders.
Now that the
borders are closed, people can use other unknown and illegal routes to enter
the country as Gambia is in the heart of Senegal. The security should be
vigilant because Senegal has already registered 11 new cases on Sunday, making
a total of 67 with five being been treated and a few fatalities.
Mr. President, we commend the health officials
and the minister, institutions, politicians and voluntary organisations for taking up the challenge to fight Covid-19
in The Gambia.
We also
recognise the need of the public to adhere to the rules of the WHO in order to
save the country from having other confirmed cases.
Mr. President, the police should be tasked to
be patrolling the night clubs, bars, restaurants, and
arrest all those who are not complying with the recent declarations.
Your
government should also arrest the businessman and shop keepers who are
increasing the prices of commodities in the country including even vegetables,
hygienic materials, fish etc. right now, the business community (vendors and
consumers) that your government is not doing enough to help in basic
commodities amid the announcement of the first Covid-19 case in the country.
Finally, Mr.
President, all religions in The Gambia should also adhere to your declaration
and the rule of the WHO which is to avoid social and religious gatherings which
will put everyone at risk.
Your
government should come up with laws just in-case the public fails to adhere to
the rules and refuse to exercise the precautionary measures such as social
distancing and refusing to be quarantined.
Together we can fight coronavirus
Good day!
