By Tina S. Mehnpaine – Monrovia, Liberia, Wednesday, April 8, 2020.
President Weah of Liberia becomes the latest African president to announce a state of emergency to contain COVID-19 that has put the whole world at a standstill.
The state of emergency states at 11:59 hours on Friday, April 10, 2020, and will last until further notice, National Telegraph can confirm.
In a press statement, Weah said the country needs to take up new stronger additional measures to delay the spread of the virus.
The state of emergency applies to all 15 counties of Liberia. The emergency means the restriction and prohibited movements of people within counties.
“All the people residing within the borders of Montserrado, Margibi, Nimba and Grand Kru counties shall not be allowed to move for 14 days standing from tomorrow 10th April 2020,” reads the press statement.
The ‘Stay Home Order’ exempts essential government offices, banks, supermarkets and other established businesses like petrol stations, hotels, and health facilities while observing the principle of going home after work.
The operational offices are expected to work up to 3 pm. The president also tasked the Internal Affairs Minister to organize markets so that they operate under satisfying standards while maintaining social distance and hygiene protocol.
President Weah also urged all Liberians to put hands on deck. In the meantime, I would like to call upon all our political and religious leaders, social media groups, students, teachers, civil society and the general citizenry to join us in this fight against Corona,” he said.
Weah was specific that Liberians can defeat the virus if they commit themselves to respect all the measures that have been outlined. “If we are undisciplined, we will be the cause for it to spread.
But if we behave properly, and observe all regulations and health measures, we can also be the cure that will stop Corona in our country,” Weah echoed.
Liberia so far has 31 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 4 deaths and 3 recoveries. The world’s recorded cases stand at 1,509,355 with 88,331 deaths.
