By Amin Kef Sesay
The National COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre (NaCOVERC) has stated in a Public Notice dated 17th June 2021 and signed by Solomon Jamiru Esq, as its Spokesperson, that it wishes to inform the general public that Sierra Leone is currently witnessing a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
NaCOVERC continued that such an assessment has been informed by the World Health Organization (WHO) alert as well as a thorough examination of the epidemiological data particularly for the last one month, which strongly indicates not only exponential rise in COVID-19 confirmed cases, but also increased positivity rates, hospitalization and deaths.
“ We are further informed by available data that a significant number of positive cases are from samples obtained from patients in health facilities,” it stated adding how those are predominantly in the Western Area.
The institution also revealed that in the current instance, many of the cases are symptomatic unlike the initial one year of the outbreak in the first and second waves.
NaCOVERC maintains that in view of their commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of citizens and in response of growing national and international public health concerns, the Presidential Task Force has approved the announcement of the following measures, as proposed by NaCOVERC, for nationwide application with immediate effect, for a period of one month, subject to review :- That there is the mandatory wearing of face mask in all public places and transportation – ‘No Mask No Entry’, that Social distancing and hand-washing/alcohol-based hand sanitizer use to be observed in all public places, that services in places of worship shall not exceed ninety (90) minutes, with full enforcement of face mask, social distancing and hand-washing protocols, night clubs and cinemas are banned for one month with immediate effect from Tuesday 22nd June 2021.
NaCOVERC stated that Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies will only be accessed by employees and members of the public with proof of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination saying a full dose vaccination is highly recommended.
It continued that the National Sports Authority designated-activities and competitions shall be held behind closed doors without spectators and that only footballers and officials with proof of vaccination will be allowed into the venue.
Other measures such as social gatherings, including weddings, funerals, receptions, naming ceremonies and the likes shall not exceed fifty (50) people, with mandatory face mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing/use of hand sanitizer.
It was also stated that large scale entertainment activities or any super-spreader events are banned for the period of one month.
NaCOVERC says it will be enforcing wearing of face mask at shops and at indoor and outdoor markets and crowded stalls.
The institution also stated that educational institutions shall comply with mandatory face mask, hand-washing and social distance protocols.
It also mandates that Government and private health facilities to incorporate COVID-19 screening for cases matching case definition for COVID-19; and corpses with suspicious case definitions to be swabbed within 12 hours of death.
NaCOVERC disclosed that it is encouraging the Media to run sustained COVID-19 preventive messages also urging MDAs and NGOs to preface meetings and activities with such messages.
It was disclosed that vaccines can be accessed in Government facilities like Connaught Hospital, 34 Military Hospital, Rokupr Government Hospital, and Kingharman Road Government Hospital.
In terms of the age for vaccination NaCOVERC said it has been revised further to thirty (30) years, and a total of eight (8) static sites are now operating in the Western Area with mobile vaccination sites deployed in strategic locations.
The institution is also urging residents to take full advantage of the existing vaccine supply stating that fully vaccinated persons after fourteen (14) days of last dose of vaccination shall not be subjected to quarantine.
NaCOVERC websites to visit for accurate information are: www.mic.gov.sl and www.dhse.gov.sl or Dial *468# or SMS 468 for COVID self- checks, tips and updates.
