For now though, the relaxed restrictions are confined only to markets, houses of worship, and Grade-9 students about to sit their exams and transition to Senior Secondary Schools.
Therefore, effective immediately, all Gambian markets shall now open from 6:00am—6:00pm daily regardless of what commodities are sold. However, all market vendors, traders, buyers and sellers are strictly urged to continue to observe all the social distancing restrictions imposed by The Health Emergency Proclamation.
Beginning Friday 5th June, 2020, all mosques shall reopen while still strictly adhering to Government’s outlined physical distancing and related health measures.
Likewise, all churches shall reopen on Sunday 7th June, 2020 while also strictly adhering to physical distancing and related health measures.
Equally, all Grade-9 students will benefit from the relaxation of these restrictions to be formally announced by the Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education at a later date.
Meanwhile, The Gambia Government working with health experts will continue to monitor, review and evaluate the Covid-19 situation as it evolves and make a determination on other key areas like public and commercial transportation, the borders, lumos, schools and madrasas in due course.
In a related development, it has come to the notice of The Gambia Government that some bandits masquerading as activists are now indulged in impersonating government officials, publishing false press statements and memoranda on Social Media purporting to be representing Government.
These utterly criminal acts are nothing short of malicious propaganda calculated to undermine the Government’s genuine efforts to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. Accordingly, The Gambia Government warns all those involved in this nefarious practice to desist immediately or face the full consequence of their illegal actions.
Signed:
Ebrima G Sankareh
The Gambia Government Spokesperson