The Ministry of Health says 3,318 coronavirus cases and about 110 deaths have been confirmed since Thursday, June 24, while the health status of dozen others are being monitored nationwide.
Minister Wilhelmina Jallah told the media yesterday at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism in Monrovia that those under observation are awaiting confirmation and once that is done, there will be a public disclosure.
She however admitted that there are over crowdedness at the various public hospitals in Montserrado County with sick people whose cases are mainly related to the new variant of covid-19 but admitting them has been the issue in regards to space in order to get treated.
“We are having problem with accommodation or capacity at the various public hospitals in Montserrado. We trying to decongest those hospitals before admitting others because we do not want patients getting mixed up with cases that may not be covid related,” Jallah noted.
About the availability of oxygen, she said efforts have been advanced to bring more supplies into the country by working with international partners though some are already on the grounds, adding, “But if the need be, oxygen will be manufactured here.”
Jallah then urged Liberians to unite in the fight against the virus because it has no border; therefore, everyone is required to observe the health protocols which are; washing of hands, wearing of masks and keeping social distances, among others.
“Let us join and fight the virus because we cannot follow you everywhere you go including the night clubs, football fields and at funerals; you may not know who has the virus; therefore, let us all take precaution including the children as we do not want to close down schools,” the Minister pleaded.
Dr. Jallah is encouraging the population to be vaccinated against the virus so as to reduce the risk adding, “If you encounter anybody; be it a relative or not who has not taken the vaccine or dose, encourage them to do so.”
Also, speaking during the conference, the Programme Officer of the Health Ministry Adolphus Clarke said efforts have been advanced to set up voluntarily testing and vaccination sites in Montserrado County which is considered the epic center of the virus.
He listed the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sport Complex, the Paynesville City Hall, the Monrovia City Hall and other public places that could be used as testing sites or vaccination centers pointing out, “We want the population to have access to testing and vaccination sites where there will be no excuse for anyone. Public health is everybody’s business and therefore is it not only the government or healthcare workers but the entire country must get involved in the fight.”