Gambia: President extends COVID-19 state of emergency until June 9 /update 2

Event

Gambian President Adama Barrow issued an executive order on Tuesday, May 19, extending the country's coronavirus disease (COVID-19) state of emergency by 21 days until June 9. Under the state of emergency, public gatherings are prohibited and schools, religious sites, public buildings, entertainment venues, and non-essential businesses remain closed. Restaurants are restricted to take away orders and markets have significantly reduced opening hours. Barrow initially sought a 45-day extension to the state of emergency in parliament on May 16 but was narrowly defeated after several of his own members of parliament rejected the plan and was forced to bypass the legislature. However, states of emergency passed by executive order are constitutionally limited to 21 days, and Barrow is likely to have to go back to parliament in order to seek any further extension.

All flights in and out of Gambia, apart from medical and air freight operations, were suspended on March 23. The land border with Senegal has also been closed except to essential supplies and security personnel. Restrictions have been placed on public transport and passengers in private vehicles are limited to no more than half capacity. Vehicles carrying commercial goods are only allowed to have one passenger in the cabin. Ferries and commercial boats can only operate between the hours of 06:00 and 19:00 (local time) daily.

As of Thursday, May 21, 24 cases of COVID-19 and one associated fatality have been confirmed in the Gambia. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.