This archive report was first published on 2 July 2021.
Sierra Leone is facing a growing Covid-19 crisis, with President Julius Maada Bio reimposing a nationwide curfew to curb the spread of the virus.
As of Monday, the country had recorded 5,652 cases and 102 deaths, with the National Covid-19 Emergency Response Center (NaCOVERC) reporting its highest numbers in June.
President Bio announced the new measures in a televised address on State broadcaster SLBC on Monday, citing experts' advice and careful data analysis.
‘More people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the last few weeks. More people have been hospitalised and 72 percent of beds in treatment and care centers are occupied. More people are dying and the western area is the epicenter of the latest infections,’ the President said.
The President also banned congregational worship for a month, starting Friday, and said restaurants and bars will close at 9pm daily. Funerals, weddings, and all other social events will have a maximum of 50 participants.
President Bio asked the public to adhere to the basic rules of social distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands regularly, and reiterated calls for the public to trust the safety of the Covid-19 vaccine and get the jab.
Sierra Leone recorded its first Covid-19 case on March 31, 2020, and was praised for keeping cases and fatalities low until the third wave was confirmed.
