-661 contacts among confirmed cases, 78 are health workers
– Politicians, Media, NGOs, INGOs, ordinary citizens on one Front
By Mark Mengonfia
Since the announcement of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Liberia, institutions have combined their efforts in ensuring that the preventive measures are followed.
Politicians, Non-governmental organizations, civil Society institutions, the Liberian media and partners of the Liberian government have directed their efforts to fighting the COVID-19.
Some of them have kind of placed aside their political differences and have engaged into distribution of preventive materials communities.
They have also provided food and non food items to citizens and are constantly taking the preventive messages to them in the communities.
One of the partners that is doing volunteer works is the Liberian media.
“We run a Corona from Mondays to Fridays” Emmanuel Tophic Degleh, station manager for Classic FM based in Margibi said
He added, “Yes, it is run as a special feature on our flagship Classic Breakfast Show program.”
The Classic FM Manager indicated that Liberians need to be informed about the virus adding “It’s our own initiative of helping to create public awareness.”
Also speaking, Dorryl Ambrose Nmah Sr., former Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting System praised the efforts of the media.
“I think the Liberian media is doing their best understand these circumstances,” he said.
Atty Nmah Sr. added: “The government communication team is not taking full advantage of the media potential and are not fully getting the media involved.”
Currently, Liberia has recorded 3 deaths and 13 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus, this information has gone to a large segment of the Liberian population, if not all of Liberians via the power of Radio.
Mary Kollie, a resident of Paynesville said, “we are just home now, the only way we get the information is from the radio and websites.”
3 Deaths, 14 confirmed Cases, 661 Contacts of COVID-19
Meanwhile, Liberian Health authorities has been updating the public, saying the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased from 13 to 14.
Health minister Willemina Jallah at the regular Monday Press update, Dr. Jallah said the cases are increasing by the day adding that it can only stop when Liberians adhere to the health protocols.
Dr. Jallah said, she and her team have observed that many religious institutions and ordinary Liberians are violating the protocol by paying death ears and are having services, gathering and having parties.
Forty members of the Christian community were arrested on Sunday, April 5, 2020 (Palm Sunday) for breaching health protocols.
Another point raised by the Health Minister was issues relating to pregnant woman in Liberia.
She said said pregnant women in Liberia have refused to visit treatment centers.
” We are not treating COVID-19 patient at the regular health facilities so, whn you are sick, please visit the hospital for treatment,” Dr. Jallah said.
But the three deaths recorded, one happened at home, while the two others took place at local health centers, whereas none visited the 14 Military where suspected cases are taken for checking or treatment.
Giving hope to Liberians, she said, every country has the virus, nowhere to run, no where to go adding that the only way out is working together as a Country.
“It is not a death sentence, abide by the rules, go for checkup when you feel sick, follow the health protocols,” Dr. Jallah indicated.