President, Adama Barrow, who went into isolation after his Deputy, Dr Isatou Touray, tested negative for the Coronavirus, has tested negative.
The State House announced on Tuesday, in a statement, that “The President’s sample was taken on Thursday, 30th July 2020, and the results came out negative on Monday, 3 August, 2020.”
“The Office of the President seizes this opportunity to wish all those infected speedy recovery and pray for the departed souls to rest in eternal peace. Stay Safe, join the fight to contain and stop the spread of COVID-19,” the statement said.
Three other cabinet ministers have also contracted the virus.
In the same development, Gambian Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh moved into a quarantine facility Tuesday.
The preliminary results of his first COVID-19 tests are inconclusive. While awaiting additional tests, Dr. Samateh who is in high spirits, will continue to lead the operations of the Health Ministry from quarantine.
Dr. Samateh reminds Gambians and all residents to accept the seriousness of the COVID-19 virus.
Also, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Mayor for Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), has tested positive for coronavirus, the council said in a statement on Tuesday.
But he is reported to be in good health condition and has gone into self-isolation for treatment. He emerged the first Mayor and fourth top public figure to contract the virus.
The Council said in a statement: “The General Public is hereby informed that the Lord Mayor of KMC tested positive for Covid19 Virus. He is in good spirits and has since been placed in isolation and is well on his way to recovery.”
“The Council hereby reminds the General Public to take proactive measures and ensure that WHO and the Ministry of Health guidelines are followed. Let’s observe social distancing, wear face masks and stop public gatherings,” the statement added.