Coronavirus cases in Gambia rise above 1000

By Adama Makasuba

The Gambia’s coronavirus cases has rises above 1000 after 155 people tested positive for the virus on Friday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,090.

The Ministry of Health said 26% are healthcare workers mainly from Pakala, BMCHH and EFSTH, adding over 60 percent of the new cases are symptomatic with many presenting with loss of taste or smell and intermittent coughing.

“This is the 113th national situation report since the confirmation of the first case of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in The Gambia, on the 17th March 2020.3 new COVID-19 related deaths recorded, bringing the total to 19 (representing a crude case-fatality ratio of 1.7%) 155 new cases registered – the highest reported in a single day thus far – taking the total number of COVID-19 cases ever confirmed in the country to 1,090,” the Ministry of Health released.

“26% of these are healthcare workers mainly from Pakala, BMCHH and EFSTH unlike the previous sets of reported cases (which were predominantly asymptomatic), over 60 percent of the new cases are symptomatic with many presenting with loss of taste or smell and intermittent coughing. 15 volunteers of the Gambia Red Cross burial team benefitted from mental health and psychosocial support first aid 16 new recoveries recorded, bringing the total number of recoveries to 146 (13.4% of confirmed cases).”

“360 new laboratory test results received from MRCG and NPHL of these, 184 tested negative (both new and repeats), 156 returned positive (1 repeat and 155 new) and 20 tested inconclusive or probable for COVID-19.”

“Whereas 29 persons were newly taken into quarantine, no new discharges were made The country currently has 485 people in quarantine, 925 active cases, 112 probable cases and a crude case-fatality ratio of 1.7% COVID-19.”