Modou Njai, who was speaking recently explained that people still need to regularly wash their hands, wear face masks, avoiding crowds and ensure social distancing. “We used to have them in our houses but that doesn’t happen anymore.”
The Gambia witnessed recent surge in the number of corona virus reported cases, with the recent reported cases of 26 people infected with new variant –Omicron in the country.
Njai indicated that the new variant- Omicron should not cause panic though it spreads very fast but its fatality rate is a bit low.
He said his Ministry has dealt with the delta variant, which he said, was more severe, adding that since then they have not yet registered Covid-19 related deaths.
He also said the low intake of Covid-19 vaccine is another contributing factor to the recent rise.
According to him, as they have so far recorded 18.8% coverage which hasn’t reached half the expectation yet.
“The Ministry has been conducting door-to-door vaccination campaign” and according to the director, “the idea was welcoming to most as some were unable to visit various health facilities to be vaccinated.”
He hinted about the new protocol the Ministry has put in place to curb the recent spread, which include those traveling from hotspot countries with the Omicron Variant and fully vaccinated should come with a PCR and those partially vaccinated should also provide the same certificates and be tested again.
“Also we have engaged our health workers on capacity building on the areas of contact tracing, rapid response and also surveillance. We have expanded sample collection centers as before it use to be at the Independent Stadium and Turn-Table, Gambia Tourism Board.”
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