President Adama Barrow on Tuesday extends the state of public emergency by a week. 

His declaration on Tuesday comes amid a rise in cases of coronavirus that showed the country losing its first health worker on Monday. 

The State House said: “In exercise of the powers conferred on him by section 34(6) of the 1997 Constitution, His Excellency, Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia has declared a State of Public Emergency in the whole country. 

“The declaration shall last for a period of seven days, pursuant to section 34(2) with effect from 8th July 2020.”

“The public is reminded that the COVID -19 Emergency Regulations issued under the Emergency Powers Act shall continue to apply during the period of the State of Public Emergency.”

“Furthermore, the public is advised to take all precautionary measures to protect themselves and curb the spread of COVID-19, while the experts continue to monitor and assess the situation,” the statement added.

The Gambia has 61 registered cases of coronavirus with 28 active cases as well as 3 deaths.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba