This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
On August 5, 2020, the Gambia's government faced a devastating blow as three of its ministers contracted the novel coronavirus, just days after President Adama Barrow announced his self-isolation due to his deputy's positive test.
President Barrow had announced last week that he would self-isolate for two weeks after Vice President Isatou Touray tested positive for the virus.
The affected ministers include Petroleum and Energy Minister Fafa Sanyang, Agriculture Minister Amie Fabureh, and Finance Minister Mambureh Njie, who all tested positive for the virus, according to a Twitter announcement by the presidency on Sunday.
As of now, the country has reported 498 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 9 deaths since the first case was reported in March.
The Gambia, like other countries, had closed its air and land borders in March, straining public transport, closing schools and markets, and mandating face masks for all citizens.
