The Gambian government has declared a state of emergency and nationwide night curfew for 21 days.
The country’s president, Adama Barrow announced the latest action as coronavirus cases soar.
Gambia has so far recorded nearly 800 cases with 16 deaths.
#COVID19 update for Africa, 5 August 2020 @ 6pm East Africa Time: 55 AfricanUnion Member States reporting data below…
Cases…980,832
Deaths…21,102 and
Recoveries…656,040
More information at https://t.co/xVh2wZb6q4 #WearAMask #StayAtHome #AfricaResponds#FactsNotFear pic.twitter.com/GqWSwpuQPW— Africa CDC (@AfricaCDC) August 5, 2020
President Barrow has already gone into self-isolation after his vice president, Isatou Touray tested positive for the virus.
The government announced days later that three ministers of state had also being infected by the virus.
They were Finance Minister Mambureh Njie, Petroleum and Energy Minister Fafa Sanyang and Agriculture Minister Amie Fabureh.
President Adama Barrow said the borders and airspace will remain closed except for cargo, diplomats and those seeking treatment abroad.
According to President Barrow the rising cases were “worrisome”.
In exercise of the powers vested in him by the 1997 Constitution, @BarrowPresident declares a State of Public Emergency effective midnight tonight and a curfew effective tomorrow, 6th August 2020 throughout The Gambia for a period of 21 days. pic.twitter.com/QJKkp6qapO
— State House of The Gambia (@Presidency_GMB) August 5, 2020
All markets and shopping areas will close every Sunday for cleaning and fumigation.
Places of worship are still to be closed but schools will only allow final year students to sit for their exit examinations from August 17.
Source: Africafeeds.com
