The Gambia Government says civil servants who fail to adhere to new Covid-19 rules will face penalties including pay cuts. 

The country is currently fighting a third wave of the pandemic and the government has introduced new directives including mandatory face covering in all public offices. 

“In view of the recent surge of Covid-19 cases in The Gambia, all Heads of MDAs are hereby required to enforce national and international protocols in place to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

“These includes, but not limited to: Wearing of Face Masks; Regular Washing of Hands; and Maintaining Appropriate Social Distancing. 

“Staff and visitors who do not wear face masks should not be allowed entry into public offices. 

“Public servants who fail to report to duties on account of non-compliance with the Covid-19 regulations should be penalised by deducting a day’s pay from their next salary payment for each day’s absence in accordance with General Order 03116.

“All Permanent Secretaries are advised to transmit this information to Heads of institutions under the purview of their Ministries, including SoEs, accordingly,” the Government said in a statement.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba