Gambia shuts borders as Coronavirus cases rise

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 02:35 pm

Gambian President Adama Barrow declared a country of emergency Wednesday, shutting his country’s borders and airspace amid a rise in coronavirus cases.

  COVID-19 instances in Gambia have surged over 60% in the final seven days to nearly 800, a trajectory he said is “worrisome.” The country has registered sixteen coronavirus deaths so far.

Barrow additionally imposed a night curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Thursday till Aug. 26, the same time the country of emergency is predicted to last.

“All land, sea and air borders of Gambia continue to be closed. Entry and exit of persons into Gambia is suspended besides for diplomats, drivers of [vehicles carrying] necessary commodities and people looking for urgent clinical interest abroad,” stated a declaration from the Presidency.

“Only cargo and humanitarian flights bringing Gambians home, diplomats, or humanitarian workers will be allowed, issue to them looking for and obtaining prior approvals amongst different stringent conditions.

Any passenger destined for Gambia shall be in possession of a legitimate certificates from factors of departure indicating that he or she took a COVID-19 check with a poor result at least 72 hours earlier than boarding.

A person who breaches this law on the border closures commits an offence and is in charge upon conviction to a quality of Five Thousand Gambian Dalasi [about US$96].”

The declaration additionally shut all houses of worship. Only people on legit COVID-19 duties, ambulances and public officers on quintessential assignments are exempted.

Schools are additionally declared closed. Grocery stores, markets, banks and all crucial businesses stay open.

Since early July, over 40 healthcare workers in Gambia have examined effective for COVID-19, weakening the country’s response efforts.

In the previous week, four cupboard ministers consisting of the country’s vice president examined positive.

The discern has now risen to five as Minister for Women’s Affairs, Children and Social Welfare Fatou Kinteh additionally examined fantastic for the virus.

“It is disheartening to realise that several of our cherished ones, among them distinguished citizens, have succumbed to this lethal sickness whilst others proceed to endure therapy as others still struggle for their lives,” stated the president in a statement.

(AnadoluAgency)