This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
On June 23, 2020, Sierra Leone announced the end of its inter-district Covid-19 blockade, which had been in place for over two months.
The government's decision to relax restrictions is aimed at returning the country to normalcy, according to President Julius Maada Bio.
President Bio stated that the restrictions were initially imposed to save lives, but it is now time to consider their impact on the country's struggling economy.
As part of the relaxation of restrictions, people will no longer need to produce an authorisation pass to move between districts.
The country's only international airport, which has been open only for emergency services, is also set to reopen.
Sierra Leone had recorded 1,347 cases and 55 deaths as of June 23, 2020.
President Bio emphasized that the fight against Covid-19 is a delicate balance between saving lives and preserving livelihoods.
He added that the measures will be reviewed as and when necessary, based on scientific data and expert consultations.
