Police have launched new measures to enforce social distancing and to prevent smuggling of essential commodities as the country’s Covid-19 coronavirus cases rise.

The new measures will also help to enforce illegal entering of people into the country amid the deadly coronavirus pandemic. 

“The Gambia Police Force and security agencies have launched operations to enforce social distancing and prevent smuggling of essential commodities as well as people illegally entering the country,” the police said in a press statement.  

They urged the public to “avoid clashes with the security, please consider the following, and crowding at markets, car parks, Attaya vous, Junctions, football fields, beaches and all non-essential public places, observe physical distancing and follow professional health guidelines for personal hygiene.

“Call 1025 to report individuals who illegally entered into the country. Cooperate and comply with the emergency powers regulations and support law enforcement in preventing the spread of Covid19 in the Gambia.”

The statement added: “A person who breaches a provision of the regulations on closures and restrictions of non-essential public places, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of ten thousand dalasis.”

The Gambia has so far recorded 23 cases of the virus since its emergence in the country in March with 13 active cases currently receiving medical care, 9 recovered and 1 death. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba