MONROVIA (dpa/NAN) ― Liberia closed most of its borders on Monday in a bid to halt the spread of Ebola virus.
The
authority decided to close the borders after a third doctor, who was
working to contain the virus in West Africa, contracted the disease.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
said only five entry points, including James Spriggs Payne Airport in
Monrovia and Roberts International Airport– 50 kilometres further east,
remained open.
“Preventive
and testing centres will be established at the five entry points for
all outgoing and incoming travellers,’’ the president added.
Johnson
-Sirleaf also announced restrictions on public gatherings and requested
hotels, restaurants, entertainment centres and video clubs, to show
educational Ebola prevention videos.
According
to the president, Liberia is planning to install facilities to wash
hands in government facilities and public places across the country.
“Communities seriously affected by the Ebola outbreak will be quarantined,’’ she stressed.
World
Health Organisation (WHO) officials said the current Ebola outbreak in
three countries in West Africa – Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia – is
the deadliest ever.
A report says as of July 20, the WHO says 1,093 cases have been confirmed while 660 people have died.
Ebola
causes massive haemorrhages and has a fatality rate of 90 per cent,
while it is transmitted through blood and other body fluids.
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