An additional 155 people in the Gambia have tested positive for new coronavirus in the last 24 hours, according to figures from the country’s Ministry of Health.
The number of confirmed cases is now 1090.
The disease have also claimed the lives of three people in the last 24 hours bringing the death toll to 19.
146 people have recovered from the disease while 925 people are still receiving treatment or in self-isolation.
The disease is increasing in the country at an alarming rate prompting President Adama Barrow to introduce tougher measures to curb its spread.
Meanwhile, Sanna Darboe, spokesperson of the National Association of Gambia Nursing and Midwives (NAGaNM), has told The MAMOS Media that many nurses working at the country’s main Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) are taking unpaid leave or quitting their jobs out of fear of contracting the disease.
He said more than 45 Gambian nurses have tested positive of the disease and a large number of them are currently under quarantined.
“These people have families to take care. If they are not having the necessary materials to protect themselves, meaning they are putting their lives and families at risk,” he added.
Hon Minister Samateh. You have a serious problem on your hands.
The reproduction number of Covid 19 in The Gambia is 10. The “R naught” of 10 means half the population will get Covid 19 by 1st quarter 2021. Not a predictor of mortality but certainly a high penetrance for a novel and deadly virus.
We do not have the clinical expertise to care for those who will get very sick, like,
1. Ventilators
2. ECMO
3. Anticoagulation with NOACs
4. Convalescent Serum
5. Remdesivir
6. Aggressive fluid management
What does this mean, for vulnerable infections, the likelihood of death is assured.
So what must you do Sir:
Tell the President to
Shut down ALL Mosques and Churches for 14 days
Shut down ALL schools for 14 days
Make wearing face mask MANDATORY
Anything less, we are in clinical jeopardy from this virus.
God Help Us.