By: Mariama Njie
The business community has been gripped with fear of what looks like a second wave of coronavirus following detection of the UK and South African new variant of Covid-19 in two arriving people in the country.
They said first wave had crippled their businesses to a standstill while this second wave could completely destroy businesses.
Muhammed Hydara, accessory dealer said: “my business did crumble in the past months due to COVID-19 while experience another kind of such will really affect not business but my life.”
He said the recent reported cases of the coronavirus “is very terrifying” while he urged government to stand firm in avoiding what he called their past mistakes.
Fatoumatta Bah, a fabric Dealer, who also expressed fear said: “Gambians should be very careful in how they are taking the issue of the pandemic, only few people are wearing facemask and we are even already in the second wave of the pandemic.”
She urged government to always consider businesses in the country especially in this time of covid-19, adding “many local businesses collapsed during the pandemic and were not funded or assist by the government and we are keen partners in development.”
Ebrima Touray, a shop owner urged his fellow businesspeople “to prepare for the second wave to avoid the huge lost they have experienced in the first pandemic.” He added that the country should not be on lockdown as it affects many households especially the business owners.
Another shopkeeper, Ramou Faye, said the past lockdowns and curfew really affected her business and it is the only means of her survival.
