Police have issued a strict warning against public gatherings and religious congregations in the buildup to the Eid holidays or ‘Korite’ celebrations.

It warned the public not to violate the nationwide lockdown put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus. 

The police in a statement on Friday said: “the public is strictly advised to comply with the social distancing regulations and desist from all forms of social gatherings and religious congregations that violate the Emergency Regulations and potentially endanger the lives of citizens.

“The public is further informed that enforcement operations are currently ongoing and will be further strengthened in accordance with the law.

“The office of the Inspector General however urged all to comply and cooperate fully with law enforcement officers, so together we can defeat the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Despite government’s proclamations to help prevent spread of the coronavirus, large crowds of people could be still seen gatherings in markets as they shop for the Eid holidays. Some Imams have been arrested for flouting the regulations.

The Gambia has been in state of public emergency since the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus in March which has infected 24 people out of which 9 have recovered and 1 death.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba