This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
On June 23, 2020, Sierra Leone had recorded 1,347 confirmed coronavirus cases and 55 related deaths, with the first case reported on March 30, 2020.
President Julius Maada Bio announced the easing of restrictions, citing the need to balance the fight against Covid-19 with the country's struggling economy.
"The fight against Covid-19 is a fight between livelihood and life; it has to be measured," the President said at a special press conference held at State House in Freetown.
As part of the relaxation of restrictions, the inter-district blockade, which had been in place for over two months, has been lifted, and a 10-hour nationwide curfew has been eased.
The government also plans to reopen the country's international airport, which is currently open for emergency services only, and is working towards a regional approach to reopen international borders with neighboring countries.
