Gambian Police launch operation ‘Save our Souls’
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The Gambia Police Force has launched an operation, dubbed ‘Save our Souls (SoS)’, following the declaration of a new State of Public Emergency and the introduction of Curfew by President Adama Barrow, effective 6 August 2020 throughout The Gambia for a period of 21 days.
A statement signed by Supt. Lamin Njie, the Police Public Relations Officer, on Thursday, said that the development is pursuant to the enforcement of the Public Health (Dangerous and Infectious Disease) Protection Regulation 2020.
He pointed out that enforcement activities shall be undertaken with movement of persons, restricted between 10:00 pm and 05:00 am daily in observance of the curfew regulation.
“All non-food outlets in markets throughout The Gambia remain closed except banks and financial institutions, drug stores, pharmacies, supermarkets and mini markets, local shop owners and essential food traders. However, markets shall be opened between 06:00 am and 02:00 pm daily and remain closed on Sundays," Njie said.
All houses of worship (mosques and churches) shall remain closed. Mosques or churches shall be used solely for calls to prayers or religious announcements. All forms of gatherings at mosques and churches are prohibited. All persons must wear facemasks over their nose and mouth in public places at all times,” he declared.
He urged market vendors and shop owners not to allow access into their premises anybody who does not wear a face masks.
“Drivers of motor vehicles or operators of vessels or ferries must wear face mask and ensure that all passengers do the same before entering the vehicle, vessel or ferry.
"Similarly, individuals playing at football fields and beaches, video clubs and sports centers as well as event organizers are strictly warned to adhere to the Regulations on Closures of Non- Essential Public Places and Prohibition of Public Gatherings,” Njie said in the statement,
He added: “The Inspector General's Office strongly warns that violations of the Regulations will attract serious penalties in accordance with the law. The cooperation, support and understanding of the general public is highly solicited.”
-0- PANA MSS/VAO 6Aug2020
