Life
Sierra Leone announces state of emergency in Ebola affected district
Sierra Leone has announced a state of emergency in the Kailahun district from the outbreak of the Ebola virus which has claimed 17 lives, banning public gatherings and closing schools.
According to the latest numbers released by the country’s ministry of health, there are 46 confirmed cases and another 122 suspected ones in the district near the border with Liberia.
In a press conference Wednesday, however, local parliamentarian Momoh Moiwai said the death toll was actually 28.
The statement from the health ministry released Wednesday night said all schools in the district will be closed to minimize Ebola transmission, while public gatherings including cinemas and night clubs would remain prohibited.
Vehicles entering and leaving the district will also be screened at checkpoints, added the statement.
More than a month after Guinea President Alpha Conde told reporters the Ebola outbreak that originated in his country was under control, the death toll continues to climb in his country as well as in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
