President Adama Barrow has extended by 21 days a state of emergency amid the surge in coronavirus cases. 

“Alarmed by the recent upsurge in the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections and deaths in The Gambia and based on advisory from The Health Ministry, His Excellency President Adama Barrow in exercise of the powers vested in him by Section 34 (6) and pursuant to Section 34 (2) of the 1997 Constitution declares a State of Public Emergency and a curfew throughout The Gambia for an additional period of 21 days,” a government statement said on Thursday 

“The Public Health (Dangerous Infectious Diseases) Protection Regulations, 2020 and Emergency Powers Regulations published in the Gazette on 5th August 2020, as modified below shall continue to operate throughout the period of this state of public emergency.”

Coronavirus cases have increased sharply in the country in the last couple of weeks, prompting the government to reimpose restrictive measures.

Public gatherings in Gambia have been banned, dusk-to-dawn curfew declared, and schools remain closed. Places of worship may remain open with restrictive safety measures in place, the statement said.

Gambia has reported 2,743 cases since the outbreak in March, and 93 deaths.