By Foday Moriba Conteh
Orange Sierra Leone, the country’s leading telecommunication operator, has not ceased to amaze citizens with its activities, especially in times of crisis. This COVID-19 fight is a case in point. It has not only bagged commendation from members of the public, but most recently from the government. Its stance during this fight through the introduction of user friendly bundles and promotions has provided many Sierra Leoneans and other nationals residing in the country the opportunity to connect with their loved ones across the globe.
Recently, on 23rd April 2020, Orange was commended by the Emergency Response Team at Cockrill, off Wilkinson Road, for providing them and health workers in the frontline with free ‘Wanpot Bundle’ offers, as a sign of its continued support to the government and people in the fight against the disease. “Let me, on behalf of the Government, Coordinator and colleagues at Covid-19 National Response Centre, express immense appreciation to the management and staff of Orange SL,” Solomon Jamiru Esq, Spokesperson for COVID-19 National Response Team stated.
Orange SL’s gift to each Healthcare worker at the 3 designated COVID-19 Treatment Centres of 34 hospital, Jui hospital and Lungi government hospital and EOC Team includes: Le150,000 per month for voice calls to all destinations, 5GB data and 600 sms on net. This gesture provides these workers the opportunity to pass on vital information to their colleagues, handle timely information from across the country and respond adequately and timely to any unfolding situation. It further links them with their partners across the world on any development in the fight against the disease and also enables staff to keep constantly with their families, providing assurance of their safety.
On the 20th March 2020, the Management of the company announced additional measures to ensure that its network and services remain uninterrupted during the current coronavirus outbreak ravaging the world. This move on the part of Orange Sierra Leone comes amidst concerns that the new coronavirus (COVID-19) could affect telecommunications companies and disrupt mobile and internet services, resulting in commendation from the public for its worthwhile contributions to the fight against the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
It also comes in the wake of consensus from global experts that the viability and stability of telecommunications networks are essential in the on-going fight against the COVID-19.
Orange SL maintained that the rapid spread of the coronavirus prompted the company to put in place a multipronged approach that would enable the company to protect its staff and customers, support Government’s on-going efforts and at the same time continue to provide uninterrupted quality and affordable services to customers across the country.
According to Orange officials, “We are a socially and ethically responsible company. It is our duty to do whatever we can to ensure the continuation of telecommunications services, while also taking measures to protect our staff and customers who need service.” It was also stated that the measures would ensure the continuation of all of Orange Sierra Leone’s products and services availability including voice, SMS, data communications, SIM cards, scratch cards and Orange Money services.
The company deployed handwashing stations and digital temperature readers at all its major selling points and ensures surfaces are being frequently sanitized and that ‘social distancing’ protocols are also being implemented, both at selling points and offices: “We are drastically reducing the number of people who can enter a service delivery point at any one time and customers can queue in good conditions, with chairs and shade, with the necessary distance,” Officials say. Members of the public are encouraged to call 117 if they experience fever, tiredness and cough.
Government has now made it mandatory for everyone to wear a cloth face mask in public spaces. Enforcement mechanisms are in place, so everyone is advised to secure a cloth face mask.
The Public is further encouraged to continue frequent washing of hands with soap or use hand sanitizer; avoid touching one’s eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; cough or sneeze into their upper arm or sleeve; and avoid close contact (arms stretched length) from others, especially in crowded areas.
