Gambia confirms 4th COVID-19 case

By Pa Modou Cham

The Minister of Health Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh has today evening stated that another case of COVID-19 had been confirmed from a man who traveled the same flight with the first patient and was living with his family.

 

During the pronouncement held in Banjul, the minister explained that the patient arrived the country from France by royal flight Morocco number 8579 on the 15th of Marc h 2020.

Minister confirmed that the patient was in the first flight as the first case, adding even thought they originally departed from different country.

He said the issue was reported to the rapid respond team through the national COVID-19 hotline 1025.

“A sample was collected from him and the positive test results came out on the night of the 28 March, 2020. At least 16 of his close contacts have been place under quarantine and plans are underway to have their samples collected for testing.”

Dr. Samateh explained that a new probable case have been reported, as the laboratory results came out inconclusive. He added that a repeat sample of the probable case will be taken and tested in a couple of days to conclusively determine whether it would be COVID-19 or not.

“We appealed to all contacts to call the toll free number for advice, so as to take care their families and the general public. The Ministry of Health appeal to the general public to remain calm and vigilant and follow the preventive measures at all time.”

“We appeal to the general public to follow the executive directive of the President Adama Barrow to stay at home and have social distancing and close none essential businesses. The virus does not move by itself, it is move by people and it move from one person to the other. Therefore it make sense that when people stay away from each other, at least at recommended distances, the virus is not likely not to spread.”

He highlighted that we need collective effort to contain the spread of the virus, saying more need to be done because they are aware that the confirmed case was living with his family.

He advised people who have travel history and symptoms of COVID-19 to come out, get tested and get medical assistance.