The Gambia government has announced on Friday that all the overseas travels by the public officials are suspended with immediate effect as a way of preventing novel coronavirus.
“As part of the efforts to curb risks of spreading the Coronavirus, the Office of the Secretary General has sent out a circular informing all Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Clerk of the National Assembly, Heads and Directors of Government Departments and Agencies, Managing Directors and Director Generals of Public Enterprises and Public Institutions, that all overseas travels by public officials are suspended with immediate effect, including those already issued with travel clearances,” the statement stated.
The release explains that the decision to suspend all overseas travels is due to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus (COVID 19) throughout the globe.
“The relevant government authorities are actively monitoring this global health menace and will advise the Office of the President accordingly to review the suspension at the appropriate time.”
Coronavirus continues its havoc around the world while the infection rate is also increasing in the sub-Saharan Africa including Senegal, Nigeria, Togo, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, South Africa and recently Ghana and Guinea.
The Gambia is yet to record any case of Coronavirus but fear is intensifying as the number increases in its neighbouring Senegal.