President Julius Maada Bio has on Tuesday June 23rd 2020 announced that “effective immediately, the curfew is adjusted to the period 11:00 pm to 6:00am.”
In a Media Conference held at Statehouse he admitted to Journalists: “The Inter-District Lockdown continues to be an important suppression measure. It has presented some constraints for Sierra Leoneans. With the following specific conditions, I announce a lifting of the ban on Inter-District travel starting on Wednesday, 24th June 2020.”
“I have instructed the NaCOVERC Interim Coordinator and his team to develop and announce enforceable infection prevention control protocols (especially the mandatory and proper wearing of face masks and other healthcare protocols). Only travellers who comply shall be allowed to travel on all vehicular transportations. This will be strictly enforced by the security forces. We will CLOSELY assess the data and announce further measures, if necessary,” he continued.
President Bio further said that the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority had held extensive consultations with stakeholders and considered developments in the aviation sector around Africa and in the world, adding that countries were opening their airspaces.
“A broad inter-sectorial body will soon finalize rational, effective, and affordable pre-arrival and departure protocols that are in consonance with best practices elsewhere and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. We will also soon instal technology at the Lungi International Airport that will help us monitor, test, and trace all travellers. Once all measures are in place, commercial flights will resume in the very short run,” He said.
The President said that he had initiated engagements with colleague Heads-of-State of the Mano River Union [Liberia and Guinea] with a view to discussing and adopting a harmonized approach to re-opening and monitoring the common land borders of Sierra Leone Liberia and Guinea, adding that once they finalized those discussions, they would open all land borders and crossing points.
President Bio further disclosed that the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), in consultation with stakeholders, has developed comprehensive health and safety guidelines for teachers, pupils, and their communities for the sole purpose of providing a safe environment for students who are to take public examinations at all levels. “Those guidelines are consistent with best practices around the sub-region and the world. We will monitor the data and determine and scale up further actions as necessary,” he said.
“Whilst easing restrictions, Government will expand testing, contact tracing, and surveillance to unprecedented levels. Government will monitor the data and take all further necessary actions. While there may be a temporary surge in numbers, this aggressive action will help us isolate and deal with pockets of community infections,” He assured.
“So the key take-away from this engagement today is that we are easing restrictions and re-opening the economy and livelihoods. I urge all citizens to comply with all healthcare and public safety directives. The NaCOVERC Coordinator and Security forces will strictly enforce all measures deemed necessary to flatten the curve,” He asserted.
President Bio further guaranteed that surveys indicate that more Sierra Leoneans were aware of the Coronavirus and know what to do to prevent and treat the disease. “But there is alarming apathy and a refusal to comply with protocols. Sierra Leoneans either refuse to or do not properly wear face masks or practice social-distancing. That attitude is irresponsible and dangerous for citizens who continue to live in denial. Remember, only you and your actions can help protect yourself against the Corona virus,” he said.
He urged every citizen to strictly comply with healthcare and public safety protocols like hand-washing, use of face masks, social distancing, travel restrictions and all other restrictions on public gatherings in public spaces. “Only you can protect yourselves and your loved ones from this virus by choosing to comply with all directives,” he concluded.
By Sallieu Kanu
24/6/2020. ISSUE NO.: 7852