Freetown, Sierra Leone, April 10, 2020//- Sierra Leone President Dr Julius Maada Bio today imposed a nationwide curfew, between the hours of 21:00 and 0600 hrs on his citizens for an initial period of 14 days.
This and other measures which take effect from midnight on Saturday, April 11, 2020 are intended to prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and, forensically track and isolate suspected cases while protecting livelihoods in the West African country.
Dr Bio added: “All non-essential inter-district travel is strictly prohibited. For the purpose of this release Western Rural and Western Urban are considered a single district”.
While inter-district vehicular travel is limited to only essential services and essential commercial activities. A Pass system will be announced soon, he said.
Dr Bio also directed the Head of the Civil Service, Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), Heads of Ministries Departments Agencies (MDAs) to implement alternate working day arrangements for their staff.
“Retail trade is limited to only the sale of food items, water, medicine, fuel, and other essential utilities. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development will work with local councils and marketing associations to limit street trading, decongest markets, and enforce all existing hygiene protocols”.
Citizens who have no strong reason to be in public places are advised to stay at home at all times. Citizens are strongly encouraged to wear facemasks especially in public places, the President advised.
The country has recorded seven cases of COVID-19 so far.
African Eye Report
