-As gov’t issues new health regulations
MONROVIA – Health authorities in Liberia have announced the resurgence of Coronavirus in the country, with a new strain, indicating that as at Tuesday of last week, the virus had reached a peak of 256 cases.
In a nationwide address late last week, President George Weah, termed as alarming the rate at which Liberians in the country are contracting a new strain of Covid-19.
Quoting Minister of Health Dr. Wilhemina Jallah, President Weah disclosed that “Liberia has to date confirmed 2,862 cases of the Covid-19 virus, with 95 confirmed deaths and 12 suspected” cases.
“However, it is alarming to note that since the Third Wave began, from the 16th of May, to Tuesday, June 15, there has been a peak of 256 cases,” President Weah lamented, adding that Minister of Health Dr. Jallah, in a recent meeting, informed members of his cabinet that hospitals are presently full with people experiencing breathing difficulties, and that there are 50 patients in the treatment unit, 33 of whom she said are severely ill.
He said there are only 67,437 persons in Liberia who have taken one dose of the vaccine, adding, “This is far more alarming than a year ago when we were experiencing our first wave, and we are told that this new COVID -19 variant is even more deadly than the two previous strains experienced since last March when we got our index case.”
“My fellow citizens: Our Nation has been faced with many dangers and challenges in the past decade, but we have always shown our resilience as a people to stand together, rise up, and gather the will and courage to confront and overcome these dangers and threats,” President Weah noted, saying, “I am of the strong conviction that, united in a concerted and collective approach, and backed by the full resources of Government, we will once again prevail over this new pestilence.”
However, President Weah intoned that in order to achieve a successful outcome, Liberians must once again take some hard decisions that will curtail some of their everyday freedoms, but always knowing that whatever measures are imposed as a Government are for the common good and well-being of all.
President Weah announced that he has mandated Ministers of Health Dr. Jallah and Minister of Justice Cllr. Frank Musa Dean to immediately formulate new regulations and protocols that will assist in curbing the spread of what he referred to as “this deadly disease.”
“These new measures and protocols, when announced within the next twenty-four hours, are to be strictly observed by all citizens and residents within our borders, and will be rigorously enforced by the security forces, where necessary,” the Liberian leader ordered.
Meanwhile, as mandated by President Weah, health authorities over the weekend issued a new set of health measures and protocols, which they dubbed “Revised Covid-19 National Guidelines” issued by Liberia’s Ministry of Health.
Authorities say the release of the new guidelines, is in consequence of the increasing cases of the Coronavirus disease in Liberia, and given the statics on the current spread of the virus in the communities, it’s mode of transmission, and means of prevention.
Dr. Jallah reading the new guidelines said passengers who have been present in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Liberia
She said mask-wearing and hand washing are mandatory in public, as well as social distancing of at least three feet
“Gatherings of more than 20 persons (including parties, weddings, and funerals) are not allowed; gatherings of under 20 persons must follow the mitigation protocols as stated”, the statement read
the Health Minister said persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 and their contacts are required to comply with the guidelines of health authorities and related health rules, such as keeping telephone lines open, self-quarantine, submission to quarantine or observation measures, and adherence to medical advice.
The Ministry Health announced that the revived guidelines take immediate effect and will remain enforced until otherwise modified.
In related development, the United States Embassy near the Liberian capital, Monrovia has issued health alerts as the deadly COVID-19 virus rages again. Refer to the complete COVID-19 National Guidelines at https://bit.ly/3cScIx8.
The Embassy wants its citizens observe the following Actions:
Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Liberia.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
