Fellow Gambians,
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by Coronavirus, I commend the Ministry of Health and partners, all frontline health workers and support staff for the efforts made to put together a responsive emergency programme.
You will recall that on 30th January 2020, the World Health Organisation declared Coronavirus or the Covid-19 disease a Public Health Emergency of International concern. As a result, my government has since been deeply concerned and, through the Ministry of Health, began alerting the Gambian public about the global outbreak of Coronavirus.
We immediately resolved to prevent, contain and manage COVID-19 cases in the country by raising public awareness through the media and orientating health workers, along other necessary preventive measures.
The Ministry of Health and partners have been working extremely hard over the period to enhance their preparedness against COVID-19. For this purpose, an extra-ordinary emergency meeting comprising members of the National Health Emergency Committee and senior medical practitioners in various specialisations was convened.
Another important measure taken has been to strengthen surveillance at the airport and at various points of entry along the Gambian border. In addition, the public has been encouraged to take sanitary measures, among other precautionary actions. Isolation centres and rooms have been prepared also to deal with suspected cases at all major health centres.
Fellow Gambians,
So far, there is no reported case of any Coronavirus infection in The Gambia. However, the Government is not complacent. There are surveillance teams at all major entry points into the country, whether by air or land.
I have been informed that, as at 15th March, 2020, a total of three hundred and fifty-five (
) people of interest have been followed, some of whom have been put on self-isolation. One hundred and forty-nine (149) of them have completed check-ups without any symptoms of COVID-19. Two hundred and six (206) are still under surveillance. Of the total seen, only eight (8) required laboratory testing, and their results were all negative.
I take this opportunity to express my support to all those affected in one way or the other and to assure you of my government’s commitment to preventing any Coronavirus infection in the country.
