The Gambia government has been urged to provide free face masks to the poor and vulnerable as the new law on mandatory face masks in public places come into effect.

Gambians who spoke to Gambiana said face masks will be unaffordable to the poor and vulnerable with meagre financial means. 

There has been a sharp rise in the cost of face masks since government announced the new law on face coverings in public places. 

Face masks which were selling for D35 are now being sold for D50. 

Musa Kinteh said: “imposing this face mask wearing is very important because it is for our own protection, but if the government can help to assist people will be very important as well.

“It will disturb me to buy a face mask before Friday, because things are very hard on me nowadays.”

Sirreh Ceesay pleaded to the government and private companies to provide free face masks to people who could not afford to buy them. 

She urged people to respect and follow the protective guidelines saying “anyone who has a face mask should wear it in order to prevent catching the disease.”

Fabakery Marena urged the government to help people with face masks. He also urged Gambians to take the pandemic seriously and wear face coverings to protect themselves from the disease. 

“Gambians should believe in the existence of coronavirus and apply the protective measures,” he said. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba 

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