In the first days after the country’s first infection last March, there was a mad rush for face masks, but that craze very quickly died down, a few weeks later when cases of the coronavirus turned rare.
But things have changed now, with The Gambia currently having 326 coronavirus cases, 66 recoveries and eight deaths, prompting authorities to decide on compulsory mask wearing.
In downtown Serrekunda, Sera Jallow and another woman engage in a debate on the pros and cons of medical masks made from strapsa, recommended by the WHO (World Health Organisation) , and those made from local fabrics by tailors who want to take advantage of rising demand.
President Adama Barrow has given The Gambia’s health authorities the power to declare the use of face masks mandatory as the country is experiencing a rise in infections.
As of Saturday, the country recorded 61 new cases of the respiratory disease, the culmination of several weeks of a Covid-19 outbreak that has alarmed some citizens.
“But it’s hard to breathe well while wearing the face mask,” said Sera, who nevertheless wears one, made from scraps of fabric by tailors with a keen business sense.
His anonymous companion did not subscribe to this and pointed out to him that health experts know best what to do and, for this reason, should be charged with the right regulations to stop Covid-19 in its momentum.
“While face masks are necessary to keep us healthy and protect us from the coronavirus, we should in no way be complaining about the consequences of not using them,” the woman said.
She also wears a mask, but unlike Sera, hers completely covers her mouth and nose, an all too familiar sight since their wearing has become compulsory with fines of up to 500 dalasis (national currency) for those who refuse to wear it in public places.
So far, there have been no reports of violators being arrested by police and fined, but many people around markets and major thoroughfares do not appear to be bothered by the prospect of arrests, fines or both.
– APA