Panafrican News Agency

Coronavirus: Barrow relaxes curfew in Gambia

Banjul, Gambia (PANA) – At the expiration of the State of Public Emergency by midnight tonight (Thursday 17 Sept.), President Adama Barrow has decided to relax the night curfew throughout The Gambia, government spokesperson, Ebrima G. Sankareh, has revealed.

“Equally, all markets throughout The Gambia, regardless of the category of goods they sell, shall now open from 6:00am to 6:00pm daily to allow for normal cleansing,” the government said in a statement signed by Sankareh and seen by PANA in Banjul.

“Boutiques, food and non-essential vendors and supermarkets shall now resume their normal business hours.”

However, the Public Health (Dangerous Infectious Disease/ Protection Regulations 2020) remain effective and all non-essential public places remain temporarily closed,” the statement added.

These non-essential public places included: Bars and pubs; sit-in restaurants; cinemas and video clubs gymnasia, night clubs and music lounges; group events at beaches, casinos and gaming parlours and sporting fields.

“Similarly, the Prohibition of public gatherings is still in effect and the following are prohibited:— Public gatherings for events such as naming ceremonies, weddings and other social events; and (b) Children roaming the streets unaccompanied by an adult.”

On violation of the above order, the person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of one thousand Gambian Dalasis approximately US$ 20.

”All other regulations on the compulsory wearing of facemasks, closure of air, sea and land borders of The Gambia and penalties for spreading false information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic also remain in place,” the statement concluded.

-0- PANA MLJ/VAO 17Sept2020