By Amin Kef Sesay
In a statement delivered by President Julius Maada Bio and broadcast live for the attention of members of the public on the 9th July 2020, he revealed that in the country’s fight to protect against and curtail COVID-19, his Government has taken well-considered measures to protect lives and also sustain livelihoods through an inclusive and rigorous consultative process with stakeholders and experts.
He said throughout, the Government has also urged strict compliance with all public health directives.
“Citizens must take personal responsibility for protecting themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19,”President Bio cautioned adding that persons who are refusing to comply with health directives are exposing themselves, their loved ones, and their communities to the grave risk of infection and possible death.
He revealed how he has strongly urged the leadership of the National COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre (NACOVERC) to take all necessary actions to enforce full compliance with all public health directives.
The President told the nation that based on expert advice on the aerosol transmission of COVID-19 and the possible risk of rapid community infection among congregations, they advisedly closed all places of worship. He intimated how he has since then held multiple consultations with the Inter-Religious Council, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Health officials, NACOVERC officials, experts, and other stakeholders.
He said the leadership of the Inter-religious Council drafted proposals covering infection prevention protocols, capacity management, social distancing, and social mobilisation, among other things.
“Experts have closely examined the proposed measures and advised no objections to those proposals,” President Bio highlighted.
He said he is therefore pleased to announce that effective Monday, 13th of July 2020, all mosques, churches, and other places of worship shall be open for congregation and worship also stating that additionally, starting Monday, 13th of July, curfew hours will be eased from 2300hrs to 0500hrs (or 11PM to 5AM).
“NACOVERC will announce a comprehensive list of enforceable measures as proposed by the Inter-religious Council and congregation leaders are expected to help enforce full compliance with all measures at their places of worship,” the President disclosed.
He said the Ministry of Transport and Aviation officials, Ministry of Health officials, experts, and engaged stakeholder groups have audited proposed new processes and simulated all possible scenarios for arrivals and departures at Lungi International Airport.
The President also informed that it has pleased him to announce that the Lungi International Airport will be re-opened for all scheduled commercial flights on Wednesday, 22nd July 2020 and that NACOVERC will soon announce a comprehensive list of guidelines and protocols for air travel to and from Sierra Leone.
President Bio emphasized that the easing of restrictions does not mean an easing of the threat of COVID-19 stressing how COVID-19 is still highly infectious and deadly.
“I urge every Sierra Leonean to continue to strictly adhere to all healthcare directives and to continue to play his or her part in protecting against and curtailing the spread of COVID-19,” the President further cautioned.
