The Deputy Minister for Health Services, Ministry of Health, and Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Francis Kateh, says Liberia may likely return to a stage where a complete lockdown will be necessary amidst the rapid spread of the second round of the Coronavirus outbreak if citizens refuse to follow the health protocols instituted by the Ministry of Health.
The Chief Medical Officer made the statement on Thursday, June 17, 2021 on Capitol Hill when he appeared before the full plenary of the House of Representatives. He informed members of the House that the second round of the Coronavirus outbreak is very deadly; therefore, there should be a collective effort from the citizens and the government in combating it.
He emphasized the compelling need for wearing facemasks, washing of hands, testing and avoiding large gatherings. According to him, these health protocols, if observed, the government, through the Ministry of Health, can assure the general public that the virus can be curtailed from spreading. He pointed out that if citizens refuse to abide by the instituted measures the ministry will be left with no alternative but to recommend a complete lockdown, where schools will be closed.
Dr. Kateh further disclosed that all the necessary preparations have been done by the ministry in observing how people enter and leave the country.
Responding to the vaccine, the Chief Medical Officer noted that the vaccination process is still on-going across the country. For those who have not taken the second vaccine, he said enough vaccine is in country to enable people who have taken the first dose to take the second one on the scheduled date.
Dr. Kateh maintained that taking the vaccine cannot stop one from contracting the virus, but the situation will be easy to handle as compared to someone who has not taken the vaccine.