By Nelson Manneh
Mr. Buba Darboe the Program Manager for the Health Communication Unit at the Ministry of Health yesterday 11th May 2020 informed the Press that a driver was cautioned and charged at the Barra Police Station for overloading his vehicle contrary to the Emergency Powers Regulations. Regarding the Ministry’s next step, Mr Darboe said they are going to open a post at Kerr Ardo as it is becoming a major route of entry in to the Gambia.
“We will consider testing low-risk contacts before discharging them upon mandatory follow-up and inclusion of Immigration in the RRT to facilitate the deportation of non-Gambians sneaking into the country,” he said.
He said they will also embark on enforcement of the letter and spirit of the restriction orders contained in the Emergency Powers Regulations. They are to investigate and establish the possible source of infection of the new case vigorously and systematically.
“Strengthen surveillance at all points of entry including the undesignated ones and voluntary testing of all patients with respiratory symptoms at all health facilities,” he said.
Mr. Darboe said they will also engage private pharmacies to report clients presenting flu-like symptoms to the RRTs.
Mr. Darboe informed the press that a driver in Barra has been cautioned and charged for overloading.
After the declaration of the State of Emergency by the Government of the Gambia, it promulgated Regulations as a measure to curb COVID-19 including a regulation requiring drivers to carry half the number of the passengers they are licensed to carry.
“We will consider testing low-risk contacts before discharging them upon mandatory follow-up and inclusion of Immigration in the RRT to facilitate the deportation of non-Gambians sneaking into the country,” he said.
