- Records 33 new cases in one day
By: Leila B. Gbati
Liberia’s Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah has called on Liberians to take precautions towards COVID-19 as the country is currently experiencing a rise in the number of cases on a daily basis.
Providing updates on the COVID-19 and the restrictions to be put in place at the Providence Island on Friday, January 7, 2022 at the official launch and kick off of the bicentennial, Minister Jallah said though it was a good thing for Liberians to come together in celebration of the bicentennial, they must remember that COVID-19 is still in the Country. She spoke at the special Ministry of Information bicentennial press briefing on Tuesday, January 4, 2021, at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town,
“The cases have begun to increase again. You know the cases go up and down. We have 33 cases today alone. I don’t want to give the number of active cases because I don’t want you to get afraid”, she noted.
The bicentennial which is expected to kick off on Friday January 7,2022 at the Providence Island in Monrovia will have guests from abroad in attendance, and therefore, Dr. Jallah has urged Liberians to have their vaccinations taken, social distancing kept while wearing their nose masks in order to help reduce the number of COVID-19 cases currently in the Country.
“Social distancing as much as possible should be at the bicentennial on Friday, if there’s no invitation you will not be allowed at the program.” she said.
She said it has not yet been confirmed whether the omicron variant of COVID-19 is in the country, but the increase in patients experiencing cold, coughs, fever and chills calls for more stringent precautions.
According to her, in order to have guest with investment potential coming in the country safety measures should be taken seriously to avoid fears from visitors.
She revealed that Liberia failed to reach her 40% population vaccination goal in 2021 and only vaccinated 22% stressing the need for everyone to turn out for their vaccination so as the cover the 40% and reach the 70% goal in the New Year.
She said those who are not officially invited to form part of the bicentennial kick off on the Providence Island must not waste their time to go there because it will be by invitation only.
“For those who will be entering, we will be following behind you to make sure your mask is worn properly. Not only to wear mask but that mask should be covering your nose and your mouth”, she said.
