MONROVIA, LIBERIA-President George Weah has declared a three week state of emergency to contain the spread of the Coronavirus in Liberia.
President Weah has also requested the Speaker and Senate Pro-Tempore to convene a joint session on Thursday, April 9, 2020 to endorse the decision in a joint resolution.
As part of the State of Emergency, the Liberian Leader has also announced quarantine for all fifteen counties from 11:59 pm beginning tomorrow Friday, April 10, 2020.
President Weah said with the exception of Montserrado and Margibi Counties, inter-counties movements are also prohibited.
Meanwhile, President George Weah has mandated Internal Affairs Minister Varney Sirleaf to liaise with leaders of the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) to decongest market places in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the Country.
President Weah gave the mandate Wednesday, April 8, 2020, in Monrovia during nationwide address on further measures taken by Government in the fight against the virus.
The Liberian Leader also instructed the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and Chairman of the Joint Security to enforce the stay home order.
President Weah said:” Further measures will be imposed from time to time under the State of Emergency.
He then called on Liberians and foreign nationals to abide by the measures even under the most difficult circumstances.
The Government of Liberia has also announced the shutdown of four counties hit by the virus.
The affected counties include Montserrado, Margibi, Nimba and Grand Kru Counties.
The Liberian Leader said the lock down will be enforced for fourteen days.
As part of the decision, those residing in the four counties are required to stay at home and observe all measures.
President Weah said:” Residents may only leave home for essential matters during the emergency period.”
At the same time the Liberian Chief Executive is calling on political and religious leaders and retired health workers to join the fight against the coronavirus.
President Weah also called on social media groups, students, teachers and civil society groups to join the fight irrespective of their affiliations.
The Liberian Leader said retired health workers have the expertise and experience to fight COVID-19, and also praised health workers involved in the fight.
In a related development, several businesses and government institutions have been exempted from the three weeks stay home order.
President Weah named the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs, the Central Bank of Liberia, National Port Authority, the Liberia Revenue Authority and the Monrovia City Corporation.
He also named the Liberia Broadcasting System and accredited media institutions, health facilities, production, distribution and marketing of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and medicine companies are also exempted.
Also exempted are the Environmental and sanitation agencies, members of the security forces on lawful duties, essential staff of LEC,the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation,telecommunications,banks, hotels and the staff of gas stations, noting that only skeleton staff will be given passes to work.
