The Sierra Leone National Coronavirus Emergency Response Centre (NaCOVERC) has engaged show promoters on enhanced COVID-19 enhanced regulations. This came after a huge crowd was spotted along Aberdeen Road down to Lumley beach that was engaged in massive publicity.
“The coronavirus is still with us and there is every need for citizens to continue wearing their facemasks as part of regulations to defeat the virus,” says Group Captain, Hassan Sei Coomber, Operation Pillar Lead at NaCOVERC.
Colonel Coomber was speaking to the leaders of show promoters who are now busy holding huge rallies within the city as the festive season approaches.
He called on people to adhere to the enhanced regulations put forward recently such as compulsory use of facemasks.
Colonel Coomber told a crowd of young people who were out on the street to advertise their show that Coronavirus is still in Sierra Leone and across the world.
“The only way we could defeat this virus is by wearing facemasks, maintaining social distance and regular washing of hands.”
“We cannot defeat the virus if we continue to flout the laws. That is the more reason why we continue to enforce these regulations,” he said.
The Group Captain noted that the regulations put in place by NaCOVERC are still in forced and that anybody who is found wanting will face the full penalty of the law.
He disclosed that they received complaints from the business community and ordinary Sierra Leoneans about harassment from security forces, and has met with the business community to understand from them what the problem was and how they could all work together in fighting the disease.
Colonel Coomber said defaulters will be dealt with. He but however noted that they do not take pleasure in putting a stop to entertainment activities, but insisted that the blatant flouting of the regulations will leave NACOVERC with no alternative but to put a stop to them.
“What we want is a peaceful adherence to the regulations so that all of us will work together in order for us to defeat the disease. Let us continue putting on our facemasks, washing our hands and doing what the health experts are telling us.”
He admitted that the Coronavirus has occasioned a difficult period which society must bear with, but contended thus: “What we are doing is to safe guard our lives and the lives of every other citizen.”
The Operations Pillar Lead encouraged promoters of showbiz to also help in the fight by limiting the number of people during advertisements and shows.
“We will also be engaging the entertainment spots across the country during this festive season. We have engaged market places before now about these regulations, and same for the Inter-Religious council on places of worship. If we all do what is right by adhering to rules and regulations governing the fight against the Coronavirus. We will defeat this disease in no time,” he said.
Colonel Coomber concluded that Asian countries have been able to control the spread of the disease for the simple reason that they continue adhering to regulation more so putting on facemasks.
27/11/2020. ISSUE NO: 7959