In
the bid to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (covid-19), President Adama
Barrow has declared that all public gatherings are suspended henceforth.
“This
suspension includes all international and local conferences, workshops and
seminars to be hosted in The Gambia,” Mr. Barrow said in a televised address on
Tuesday night as he outlined some preventive measures his government has put in
place against the spread of covid-19.
“So
far, there is no reported case of any Coronavirus infection in The Gambia. However, the Government is not complacent.
There are surveillance teams at all major entry points into the country,
whether by air or land.”
“All
schools, including universities, madrassas and daras or majlis will be closed
from Wednesday, 18th March 2020 for 21 days.”
“Furthermore,
all other public gatherings in whatever form, including lumos (open markets)
and Gamos are immediately suspended for three weeks.
The
suspension period will be subject to review as we get updates from the
experts.”
Making
reference to regional and international trends, Mr. Barrow said his government has
taken extra precautionary measures to further strengthen the country’s ability
to prevent any case of COVID-19. “It is
in this light that all non-essential travels by Government officials, including
Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Managing Directors and Directors of all
Ministries, Departments and Agents have been suspended.”
“As
another preventive measure, all travellers from hotspot countries will be
isolated for fourteen (14) days upon arrival in The Gambia.”
“To
further strengthen our preparedness against Coronavirus and Covid-19, I have
directed the Minister of Finance to provide funds immediately to prevent any
infection.”
Mr.
Barrow urges every Gambian to improve on personal hygiene, especially by
handwashing often with soap, covering the mouth with tissue or the elbow when
coughing or sneezing and social distancing to prevent transmission.
“All
citizens and residents of The Gambia are reminded of the importance of adhering
to these preventive measures, and avoid handshaking.”
“While
my government is closely monitoring the situation, I urge the public to get
reliable facts about the pandemic through official public awareness
programmes.”
Once
again, I assure you of my government’s commitment and preparedness to stop any
Coronavirus infection or transmission in The Gambia. Together, we can achieve
this and contribute towards the promotion of good health for all and protecting
our country and our people.
Mr.
Barrow has said that one of the important measures taken by his government has
been strengthening surveillance at the airport and at various points of entry
along the Gambian border. “In addition, the public has been encouraged to take
sanitary measures, among other precautionary actions. Isolation centres and
rooms have been prepared also to deal with suspected cases at all major health
centres.”
“I
have been informed that, as at 15th March, 2020, a total of three hundred and
fifty-five (355) people of interest have been followed, some of whom have been
put on self-isolation. One hundred and forty-nine (149) of them have completed
check-ups without any symptoms of COVID-19. Two hundred and six (206) are still
under surveillance. Of the total seen, only eight (8) required laboratory
testing, and their results were all negative.”
