He urged the public to be vigilant to ensure “we do not register another death or imported case of the virus.”
He said his ministry’s efforts in the fight against covid-19 continues to yield results as The Gambia continues to register the lowest number of both positive and death cases globally.
He highlighted that they will not compromise the security of the country and its people.
He commended frontline workers, government as partners for their commitment and support in their struggle against covid-19.
He said it was due to robust tracing and quarantine method that 70 percent of the registered positive cases were those under quarantine.
He also urged people to continue regular hand washing, use of sanitizers as well as observe social distancing and avoid hand shaking.
The European Union through the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment yesterday, Wednesday handed 10,000 face masks, 500 protective suits and 100 face shields to the Ministry of Health to enhance the availability of basic supplies and equipment to fight the pandemic in The Gambia.
The donation is part of a larger contribution of 2,000 protective suits and shoe covers, 40,000 face masks and 100 face shields. These are being produced under the EU funded projects including Youth Empowerment Project implemented by ITC and the EU-IOM Joint initiative for migration protection and reintegration. The equipment are all made in The Gambia.
The equipment is intended for frontline immigration and border officials, frontline workers and other exposed professionals as well as medical staff.
Attila Lajos, EU Ambassador to The Gambia said the project aims to support income generating activities for Gambians by promoting locally made solutions.
He highlighted that the production and manufacturing of the equipment is “proof that there is no stigma in being returnees, and that returnees can make it here – Tekki Fii – while helping their country in times of crisis”.
He pointed out that covid-19 has not only created a health pandemic but also a socioeconomic crisis with small businesses being the most harshly hit.
He observed that in the tourism sector alone, billions of dalasis are lost due to the virus.
According to him we need partnerships in these times of crisis more than ever, saying the more we work together, the better we will weather this crisis.
He assured government that EU stands united with its people in the fight against covid-19, as well as expressed their readiness to continue to build on the skills and expertise of Gambians to unlock responses to this crisis.
Lamin Jobe, minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, thanked EU for its continuous support towards Gambia’s development agenda.
He added that the equipment will help protect lives of frontline workers from the scourge of covid-19.
He thanked the Ministry of Health for its commitment and efforts in the fight against covid-19.
