Coronavirus situation in the Gambia

CrisKe New member

3POSTS

4 years ago

I'm curious how the covid-19 pandemic is affecting life in the Gambia. Does everyone has to wear a mask in public, even if just walking outside? Are restaurants, malls etc. open or are serious restrictions in place?

I'm not yet in the Gambia, but I might have to go there in the foreseeable future, hence I'd appreciate any information.

Thanks, CrisKe

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BrickTracy New member

3POSTS

4 years ago

@CrisKe Hello! I know this is a bit late, but I was there for all of Feb/March and the only places I recall masks were needed was the bank, airport and Healthcare facilities - that I went to.

Most Gambians I spoke to weren't too concerned with COVID, but were understanding of my concern, being from an area hard hit (U.S.).

Tracy

CrisKe New member

3POSTS

4 years ago

Thanks for your reply. I had visited Gambia last November and noticed that, outside the airport, there were practically no rules in force. I suppose the warm weather helps; in any case it doesn't seem that Gambia was hit very hard.

1 member reacted to this post

BrickTracy New member

3POSTS

4 years ago

Honestly, what I've learned is that it's always "Malaria". Someone is sick? Malaria. Someone is sick with something that most likely isn't Malaria? Nope, still Malaria.

My Brother-In-Law, who is early 20s, was posting a LOT of "rest in peace" photos of friends during 2020/2021 of younger people - I had asked him about it, and it was all, "they said it was Malaria" complications. When I asked my spouse about it, I was told, "they say everything is Malaria when they don't know what it is." Same with my Mother-In-Law with older peoples funerals she was going to around the same time. But, by mid 2021 or later, things calmed down.

I had a nice conversation with a few tradesmen we were working with and they all agreed COVID was not in The Gambia and questioned if it was real, or only an American/European problem. They also agreed being outdoors a lot and in the sun helped them not suffer our fate. When I mentioned other hot areas were hit, they all agreed it was because Gambia had good luck and health because of the people. Seems a lot of it is perspective. ;-)

Tracy