July 2, 2021
By Mohamed M. Sesay
With the surge of the Covid-19 third Wave coupled with the detection of the Indian Delta Variant strain in the country, President Julius Maada Bio has yesterday the 1st of July, reintroduced the nationwide curfew for a period of one month effective Monday 5th July 2021 from 11pm to 5am daily, suspended Congregational worship in churches, mosques, and other religious places for a period of one month effective Friday 2nd July 2021 among other restrictions.
Making this disclosure in his nationwide broadcast, President Bio further stated that Restaurants and bars are encouraged to use takeaway services and they shall close at 9pm daily, attendance at funerals, weddings, and other social events shall be limited to no more than fifty persons; Drivers and passengers are strongly urged to get their COVID-19 vaccination prior to all intra and inter-district travels and all prior NACOVERC measures and advisories on proper face-masking, hand washing, and social distancing remain in full force.
President Bio also warned that NaCOVERC will enforce above mentioned measures strictly and therefore, called on all citizens to cooperate with these interventions. He added that the new measures will be reviewed from time to time based on scientific data and expert advice.
He encouraged citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccines reassuring that the vaccines available in the country are safe and efficacious. He reiterated that the vaccines have been approved by the country’s Pharmacy Board and the World Health Organization which made him, senior members of Government, and over a hundred thousand citizens have been fully vaccinated.
“This vaccine will protect you against COVID-19 and protect your life. I, therefore, strongly urge every eligible citizen to take the free COVID-19 vaccines that are widely available throughout the country”, he urged.
He however commended citizens for their great patience, cooperation, and compliance with public health advisories and measures since the index COVID-19 case on 31st March 2020 adding that, together as a nation, and in peace, the country has coped with the financial and social constraints, restrictions on movement, and the general global uncertainties and anxieties caused by the pandemic.
President Bio noted that prior to now, government has kept children in schools and colleges at all levels; kept hospitals and all Government offices opened; kept public services running; kept congregational worship centers open, kept businesses open; and, supported the most vulnerable of our citizens throughout this period, and also provided Quick Action Economic Recovery Programme which helped to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and maintained the country’s economy on an even keel.