The Gambia government is to ban all public gatherings amid a surge in coronavirus cases and deaths in the country.

The ban will come into effect on March 8 and all permits for social and political events have been suspended. 

The Gambia coronavirus cases are nearing the 5,000 mark and over 136 deaths have been registered 

Government spokesman, Ebrima Sankareh, said: “In light of the worrisome trajectory of a new wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country, The Gambia Government hereby suspends the issuing of new police permits for all parties, music festivals, political events and ‘all forms’ of social gatherings effective 8th March, 2021.”

Mr Sankareh said the government will soon announce the upcoming coronavirus restrictions to be imposed in the country in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.

He urged the public to follow the government Covid-19 protocols of wearing of face masks, social distancing, regular hand washing and limiting gatherings.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba