In consequence of increasing cases of the coronavirus disease in Liberia and given the statistics on the current spread of the virus in the communities, its modes of transmission and means of prevention, the Ministry of Health has announced a revised set of National COVID-19 Guidelines pursuant to Chapter 14 of the Public Health Law of Liberia.
According to the new guidelines, passengers who have been traveling from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Liberia. Furthermore, all persons in the territorial confines of Liberia “shall mandatorily wear mask at all times in public, ensure social physical distancing of a minimum of three feet from each other, and wash hands with soap and clean water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
A Health Ministry release noted, “All persons tested positive for COVID-19 and their contacts are required to comply with health authorities and related health rules, such as keeping phone lines open, self-quarantine, submission to quarantine or observation measures and adherence to medical advice.
“Public offices are required to reduce staff by 50%, while others work from home. All institutions of learning, places of worship shall remain open but shall strictly follow the health protocols.
“Large gatherings of more than 20 persons, including parties, weddings, vigils/wakes, funerals are disallowed. Gatherings involving up to 20 persons are permitted provided the attendees follow the health protocols.
“Sporting events are allowed but only in empty stadiums (without spectators); restaurants and cookshops shall remain open provided persons and staff in attendance follow the health protocols; barber shops, lodges and beauty salons and persons and staff in attendance shall follow the health protocols.”
According to the release, “Banks shall only allow ten people at a time in the service areas, and those outside the banks shall keep a distance of at least three feet apart from each other while awaiting service. Persons and staff in attendance shall follow the health protocols.
“Taxis shall carry no more than three passengers in the back and one passenger in the front, kehkehs should carry only two passengers in the back and no passenger in the front, motorbikes shall carry only one passenger. All drivers/riders and passengers shall follow the health protocols. Compulsory mask wearing is hereby imposed in all public transports.
“All ports of entry and international travelers shall follow these guidelines as well as any other from the Liberia Immigration Services and the Civil Aviation.
“Transportation of the dead bodies of confirmed COVID-19 persons in or and out of the Republic of Liberia is prohibited during this emergency. All airlines and funeral homes are advised to take note of this prohibition and all other existing health protocols.
“All supermarkets and large stores must insist on mask wearing and allow only 20 customers at a time, while those customers observe social distancing by being always a minimum of three feet apart. Those outside shall remain outside and stand a minimum of three feet apart as well, as they await their turn to be served. All businesses are under obligation to ensure that the health protocols are complied with.
“All health facilities, health institutions and pharmacies will remain open for routine services, with social distancing practices. All safety rules and procedures at hospitals and all facilities shall be strictly adhered to. Mandatory mask wearing is imposed at all health institutions.
“All marketers, street sellers and buyers are required to abide by the health protocols.
“Night clubs and bars shall close at 9:00 p.m., observing the 20 persons restriction. Other related entertainment centers, such as businesses dealing in alcoholic beverages shall close at 9:00 p.m.
“Community dwellers are required to report people who show signs and symptoms of the coronavirus in their communities, such as coughing, fever and difficulty in breathing, to relevant health and security authorities. Please call 4455.
“Official information and communication on the COVID-19 virus shall be announced by only the MOH, NPHIL and MICAT.”
The ministry said violation of these guidelines shall be dealt with, in keeping with section 14.6 of the Public Health Law, which states, in parts, “Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter or any of the rules made thereunder shall, upon conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding US$200 or imprisonment not exceeding thirty days, or both such fine and imprisonment.”
Additionally, the government says it may be compelled to impose a lockdown and or curfew if these guidelines are not fully complied with. However, the Ministry of Justice, as head of the joint security, shall in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs enforce these guidelines without prejudice.