President Julius Maada Bio has announced that Sierra Leone airspace will be opened for commercial flights to resume operation this month.
The action is part of the government strategy to ease restrictions that were initiated to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 when the country’s first positive case was registered on 31 March 2020.
In March, the government closed the airspace, banned all commercial flights from flying to the country and shut down all land borders with neighboring countries.
“I am pleased to announce that the Lungi International Airport will be reopened for all scheduled commercial flights on Wednesday 22 July 2020,” President Bio said while addressing the nation on Thursday 9 July through a state broadcast.
The President stated that the National COVID-19 Emergency Operation Center (NACOVAC) will announce a comprehensive list of guidelines and protocols for air travel to and from Sierra Leone.
However, he noted that the easing of restrictions does not mean the easing of the fight against COVID-19. As of 10 July, Sierra Leone has recorded 1,613 cases, 63 deaths, 1,133 recoveries, and is continuing to record positive cases. Thus, the President encouraged all Sierra Leoneans to continue to strictly adhere to all healthcare directives to protect against the spread of COVID-19.
Read the full broadcast statement here.
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