Gambia Imposes Curfew as Covid-19 Surge the Nation

By Bakary Ceesay

President Adama Barrow has invoked executive power to impose a 21-day curfew on the country, effect from Thursday amidst wide spread of the coronavirus in The Gambia.

The president on Wednesday unleashed his powers under Section 34 of the constitution by declaring a new state of public emergency as coronavirus continues its scary spread. The new State of Public Emergency, SoPE which comes with a night curfew, will take effect on Thursday.

Under the new SoPE, all houses of worship such as mosques and churches ‘shall remain’ closed, according to a statement by the government.

Ebrima G. Sankareh, government spokesperson told Gambia Radio and Television Services that the decision is necessary to prevent the national health crisis ahead in the country.

Gambia has confirmed 779 coronavirus and 16 deaths. the vice president and four ministers and one mayor testing positive for the disease. However citizens recently slammed government for failing to enforcement covid-19 lock down regulations.

Experts predict that the country is risk of national health crisis because of the fragile health system.

The dusk-to-dawn curfew will start on Thursday from 10pm to 5am daily. Anyone found outside who’s not an essential worker during this time will liable to a fine of D5000.

“Mosques or churches shall be used solely for calls to prayers or religious announcements. All forms of gatherings at mosques and churches are prohibited,” the statement signed by government spokesperson Ebrima Sankareh on Wednesday said.