The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Liberia continues to rise, as those infected with the killer virus has climbed up to 101, as the government braces itself to enforce the wearing of nose mask in public places.
The latest stats released more than one hour ago (Tuesday, April 21, 2020) by the National Public Health Institute (NPHIL) says there has been no new death.
“#LiBCOVID19 Case Update: 2 new cases confirmed as of April 20, 2020. No new death, no new recovery reported. Full situation report will be released later,” the report says.
NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE OF LIBERIA-NPHIL·MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2020·1 MINUTE
Key Highlights
- Eight (8) new confirmed cases reported from Montserrado County
- Cumulatively, ninety-nine (99) confirmed cases have been recorded with 28 health workers
- A total of 8 deaths have been recorded, of which, one (healthcare worker) occurred in the Treatment Unit
- The age range among confirmed cases is 1 month to 74 years with median age of 41 years
- One thousand three hundred sixty-eight (1368) contacts including 221 health workers have been documented
- A total of 846 (62%) contacts have completed 14 days since exposure
- To access full report click link
Meanwhile, Liberia’s Health Minister Dr. Wilhemina Jallah has said it is mandatory that people wear nose mask when out in the streets and public places.
Dr. Jallah’s statement as confirmed COVID-19 cases increase in the country, people should strictly abide by all safety measures with the wearing of mask in addition to social distancing and frequently washing their hands.
The Liberian Health Minister was speaking to Journalists on Monday, April 20, 2020 during the regular COVID-19 briefing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised on when to wear nose mask in a report, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When to use a mask
When and how to wear medical masks to protect against coronavirus?
- Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
- Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
- To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with COVID-19.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.