Sierra Leone Relaxes Response On COVID-19 Pandemic Amid Death Rate Low

Mr Solomon Jamiru, the Sierra Leone National COVID-19 Response Centre (NaCOVERC) spokesperson, has revealed that the national government had decided to a sale down a response to the virus in the face of a low date rate.

Sierra Leone, since the advent of the virus in March 2020, has recorded 2,340 cases. According to the government, 1,777 had recovered, with 73 deaths.

Most African countries such as Sierra Leone, have performed far better than the predictions made by scientists early this year about the impact of the pandemic on the continent.

However, that is not to say that it is Uhuru for Africa as so many countries globally are gearing up for a second wave of the virus, necessitating the question on why Sierra Leone decided to scale down responses.

Jamiru responded thus: “The National COVID-19 Emergency response will scale down by minimum 40% effective 1 November 2020. 

“This decision was reached at a workforce rationalization conference held from 19-21 October at the Golden Tulip, Aberdeen, Freetown. This marked the 30th week of the Coronavirus outbreak in Sierra Leone.

“The conference was informed by an assessment of the epidemiological data especially for the last three months, which indicates a general downward trend in COVID cases nationwide. 

“With this general downward trend in cases, the Conference concluded that it will not be fiscally prudent to retain the over 9,000 workforces nationwide.

“As of 23rd October, there are 23 quarantine homes (all being self-quarantine), with a total of 175 persons in three Districts -Western Area Urban, Western Area Rural and Port Loko Districts. Positive cases currently admitted in treatment and care centers nationwide are below 5% of the total bed capacity which is 984.

“Majority of the Districts have gone for several incubation periods without recording a case (one incubation period is 14 days). For instance, Kambia District has gone up to 7 incubation periods without a case.

“Consequently, the workforce will scale down by a minimum of forty percent (40%) effective November 1, 2020. In the event of any surge which may require scaling up the workforce, personnel and logistical re-engagement mechanism have already been agreed.

“Risk allowances accounted for a large percentage of the funding portfolio. The cut will enable refocusing and repurposing funds towards emergency and health systems strengthening which are two critical national imperatives.

“This development does not in any way signal the end of COVID-19. The Response will continue to keep the virus in check, and counts on the cooperation of all.

“NaCOVERC commends the four Regional Coordinators, sixteen (16) District Coordinators, 16 District Medical Officers, Pillar Leads, Technical and Operations Coordinators and Field Monitors, for a successful Conference.”

The government of Sierra Leone has received hundreds of millions of dollars in international aid and loans to help build the country’s resilience against the impact of the pandemic on the economy. But with export revenue and much-reduced tourism income, there are fears economic growth will take a very long time to recover, amid growing unemployment and poverty.