“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 pointsinto 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 (355)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 ofCOVID-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.
Fellow Gambians,
On the 11th March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 a
pandemic, many countries continue to report cases of infection, including our close neighbour (Senegal), which confirmed its first case on 29th February 2020. They now have twenty-four (24) confirmed cases, with evidence of local person-to-person transmission.
Making reference to regional and international trends, my government has taken extra
precautionary measures to further strengthen the country’s ability to prevent any case of
COVID-19. It is in this light that all non-essential travels by Government officials, including Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Managing Directors and Directors of all Ministries, Departments and Agents have been suspended.
Also, realising how vulnerable people are during public gatherings, I hereby declare that all public gatherings are suspended henceforth. This suspension includes all international and local conferences, workshops and seminars to be hosted in The Gambia.
All schools, including universities, madrassas and daras or majlis will be closed from
Wednesday, 18th March 2020 for 21 days.
Furthermore, all other public gatherings in whatever form, including lumos (open markets) and Gamos are immediately suspended for three weeks.
The suspension period will be subject to review as we get updates from the experts.
As another preventive measure, all travellers from hotspot countries will be isolated for
fourteen (14) days upon arrival in The Gambia.
To further strengthen our preparedness against Coronavirus and Covid-19, I have directed the
Minister of Finance to provide funds immediately to prevent any infection.
Fellow Gambians,
To reiterate the important health messages of preventing, containing and managing
Coronavirus, I implore you all to improve on personal hygiene, especially by handwashing
often with soap, covering the mouth with tissue or the elbow when coughing or sneezing and social distancing to prevent transmission.
All citizens and residents of The Gambia are reminded of the importance of adhering to these preventive measures, and avoid handshaking.
While my government is closely monitoring the situation, I urge the public to get reliable facts
about the pandemic through official public awareness programmes.
Once again, I assure you of my government’s commitment and preparedness to stop any
Coronavirus infection or transmission in The Gambia. Together, we can achieve this and
contribute towards the promotion of good health for all and protecting our country and our people.
I thank you for your attention.
