By Nyima Sillah
The Ministry of Health has said only children who are under 18 years will be allowed entry into the country and then tested at the airport as 26 people tested positive for the Omicron variant.
“Children under 18 years and from hotspot countries for both Delta and Omicron variants are allowed to travel to The Gambia and upon arrival will be tested at the airport using (Rapid Diagnostic Test) RDT. The public is informed that all outgoing passengers from The Gambia will be required to adhere to COVID-19 testing requirement for the destination countries upon confirmation by the Port Health Officers or airline representatives as might be published,” Director of health promotion and education, ModouNjai said.
“For the general population, the Ministry of Health is soliciting the continuous support and cooperation of the public in its efforts to contain COVID-19 in the country. Any member of the public who has symptoms similar to that of COVID-19 can call 1025 for enquiry,” he added.
“The general public is advised to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus by: Regularly wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Ensuring that your hands are clean when you put on and remove your mask. Keeping a physical distance of at least 1 meter from others,” he noted among the preventive measures.
He also advised that: “avoiding poorly ventilated or crowded spaces. Opening windows to improve ventilation indoors, washing your hands regularly with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer, getting vaccinated. WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. All passengers and general public are required to adhere to the national guidelines for the management of COVID-19.”
“Passengers who have been fully vaccinated need to show proof of full vaccination status and do not require PCR test to enter The Gambia, such travellers will be tested upon arrival using RDT and this test will be free of charge and the results could be given on the spot or sent online. However, the travellers are advised on self-monitored isolation and avail themselves to the testing centres for PCR test should in case they notice any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or could call 1025 for enquiry,” he said.