By Adama Makasuba
The nation continues to see a sharp rise in coronavirus cases as nine people among them travellers into the country have tested positive – bringing the total virus cases of the country to3,885 since its emerged in March 2020.
Coronavirus which has grounded world economic to barely a standstill also hard-hit The Gambian economy as it forced thousands of people out of jobs and after dozens of businesses shut operation over unsustainability.
After what the nation looked like over the virus for more than a month, it hit back after the emergence of the new variant virus in the United Kingdom and South Africa – sparking concern around the World.
The Gambia however has not yet confirmed any case of the new variant.
“9 new cases registered, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases ever confirmed in the country to 3,885. The median age of the new cases (6 male and 3 female) is 33 (range: 13 to 82 years) While 3 of the new cases had their samples mandatorily collected at the airport for travelling into the country without valid test results, 1 is epi-linked to a recent case,” the Health Ministry released.
The Ministry added: “The remaining 5 (57%) sought to be tested on account of being intending travellers who needed a test certificate 219 new laboratory test results received (14 from MRC and 205 from NPHL) of these, 9 new samples tested positive, representing a 4.1% test positivity rate 7 new tests returned indeterminate 8 high-risk contacts [of recently confirmed cases] have been identified and their follow-up began in earnest 1 new COVID-19 patient got discharged.”