The Gambia is from immediate effect suspending flights from 13 European countries including the United Kingdom to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the small West African country.
The decision was made at Thursday’s cabinet meeting following recommendations by health experts in the country.
On Tuesday a 21-year-old woman who arrived in the country from the United Kingdom tested positive of the disease after developing a fever but no cough and sore throat.
According to a statement from the President’s Office, while the suspension remains in place until further, flights from the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Belgium and Portugal will be refused permission to land at the Banjul International Airport.
The decision is likely to cost severe financial damages to the country’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism and foreign currencies.
