As
the spreading of the coronavirus pandemic continues around the world, The
Gambia Tourism Board and Ministry of Health has declared a covid-19 Call Toll
Free 1025 open for the general public for any suspected case (s) of the virus
in the country. Also, the GTBoard donated some important items for use in order
to prevent individuals against coronavirus at work places.
Abdoulie
Hydara, director general Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) made this announcement Thursday
during a presentation of some preventive items at work place against the deadly
virus to the Ministry of Health. The presentation ceremony was held at Ministry
of Tourism and Culture, Banjul.
He
declared that among interim measures developed by Gambia Tourism Board in conjunction with the
Ministry of Health for all hotels to implement is that “staff and guests with
flu-like symptoms must undergo self-isolation and the Ministry of health must
be contacted call toll free 1025 for advice and guidance.”
DG
Hydara disclosed further that posters on proper hand hygiene will be displayed
in all public spaces while all staffs shall be provided with appropriate
disinfectant (disposable alcohol swabs) to enable them regularly disinfect
tables, keyboards, chairs.
“In
the event of isolation (self or imposed) cleaning must be done under the
supervision of health and safety officers only and the Ministry of Health in
collaboration with the GTBoard and Gambia Hotel Association will conduct
sensitisations in all hotels in the coming days,” DG Hydara stressed.
The
tourism director general hoped that “these measures will go a long way in
preventive/control of the disease should there be any case in the country. It
is, however, worthy to note that early detection and reporting of all possible
cases especially those from affected countries is of prime importance.”
Receiving
the donated items, Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, acting director of Health at the
Ministry of Health expressed delight over the donated items, which are not easy
to come-by since the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic “even if you have the
money/resources because the demand for them are very high,” Dr. Bittaye said.
He
underscored the relationship between the Gambia Tourism Board and Ministry of
Health which he described as ‘very good relationship.’
He
alluded to other speakers that health is beyond the Ministry of Health and
therefore expressed their level of happiness in receiving the items from the
donor, GTBoard.
Apart
from the donation, he said GTBoard has open door relationship with the MoH in
terms of healthy discussion and suggestion to achieve common goals.
Professor
Gomez, board chairman of GTHI and Mr. Suwareh, a member of the board of
directors for GTBoard among others made remarks at the presentation.
Deputy
permanent secretary for MoTC, director generals of NCAC, GTHI, officials of
GTBoard and Tourism Ministry all witnessed the presentation.
