How HCW is responding to the COVID-19 outbreak
How you can help: The Child Reintegration Centre and Mercy Hospital are providing the villages they serve with hygiene supplies to help stem the spread of disease, including hand washing stations, soap, disposable towels (serviettes), and dust bins. The CRC will help the most vulnerable families get through this crisis by providing them with half bags of rice, enough to sustain a family of four or five for a month. To contribute to our COVID response, click on the link below.
Sierra Leone, like the rest of the developing world, has been deeply affected by the worldwide pandemic. (See the most up to date information about infection and death rates here: www.bing.com/covid/local/sierraleone.)
Because the memory of the Ebola crisis is very fresh in the collective conscious of Sierra Leone, there has understandably been much fear and apprehension about this new pandemic. The Child Reintegration Centre and Mercy Hospital have been on the front lines addressing the needs and concerns of the community, providing education, practical care, and food supplementation.
Although COVID infections have been concentrated in the population center of Freetown, the virus has presented in most districts. The Sierra Leonean temporarily government closed schools in March and issued a shelter at home order with a prohibition on cross-district travel. Thankfully, schools were able to reopen in October 2020. We are happy to report that no CRC students contracted the virus.
SIERRA LEONE COUNTRY DATA (www.one.org/africa/about/policy-analysis/covid-19-tracker)
Critical Health Information
Food Insecurity and Malnutrition
Because the memory of the Ebola crisis is very fresh in the collective conscious of Sierra Leone, there has understandably been much fear and apprehension about this new pandemic. The Child Reintegration Centre and Mercy Hospital have been on the front lines addressing the needs and concerns of the community, providing education, practical care, and food supplementation.
Although COVID infections have been concentrated in the population center of Freetown, the virus has presented in most districts. The Sierra Leonean temporarily government closed schools in March and issued a shelter at home order with a prohibition on cross-district travel. Thankfully, schools were able to reopen in October 2020. We are happy to report that no CRC students contracted the virus.
SIERRA LEONE COUNTRY DATA (www.one.org/africa/about/policy-analysis/covid-19-tracker)
Critical Health Information
- Hospital Beds (per 10K people): 4
- Life Expectancy (years): 54.3
- Share of Population Living in Extreme Poverty: 40.1 %
- Population Density: 106 (per sq. km.)
- Total Population: 7,813,215
- Median Age: 19.4 (years)
Food Insecurity and Malnutrition
- Food Cost Inflation: 16.6 %
- Proportion of people with insufficient food intake: 53.2 %
- Children (under 5) with acute malnutrition: 9.5 %
- Children (under 5) with chronic malnutrition: 37.8 %
A message from Jinnah Lahai, Mercy Hospital Administrator:
"To prepare for the possibility of COVID-19 positive patients presenting at Mercy Hospital, Dr. Rashid and the lab team are setting up the research lab consistent with Ebola protocols. We have formed a task force comprised of highly experienced medical personnel in preparation for handling any suspected cases. We have reviewed our triage form to include the signs and symptoms of COVID. Hand sanitizing stations are positioned at all strategic entry points. A steel gate has been erected at the main entrance into the ward to reinforce patient and staff safety.
Above all, God has been put first at Mercy by setting up a special six man intercessory team. For the past weeks fasting and prayers have been observed on scheduled dates set by the team. With God by our side, we are on course. Thank you for your concern. "
"To prepare for the possibility of COVID-19 positive patients presenting at Mercy Hospital, Dr. Rashid and the lab team are setting up the research lab consistent with Ebola protocols. We have formed a task force comprised of highly experienced medical personnel in preparation for handling any suspected cases. We have reviewed our triage form to include the signs and symptoms of COVID. Hand sanitizing stations are positioned at all strategic entry points. A steel gate has been erected at the main entrance into the ward to reinforce patient and staff safety.
Above all, God has been put first at Mercy by setting up a special six man intercessory team. For the past weeks fasting and prayers have been observed on scheduled dates set by the team. With God by our side, we are on course. Thank you for your concern. "
Global COVID tracker
Click here for the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation's COVID updates.
COVID-19 Information from US Embassy in Sierra Leone
Last updated: April 11, 2022
*** Effective December 6, 2021, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within one calendar day of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
*** Effective December 6, 2021, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within one calendar day of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
- As of April 11, 2022, the Government of Sierra Leone has confirmed 7,677 cases of COVID-19 and 125 deaths within its borders
- There are currently no curfews or inter-district travel restrictions.
- Lungi International Airport is open for commercial airline flights.
- Churches and mosques are open but gatherings must be limited to 90 minutes.
- The government has imposed restrictions on the number of passengers traveling by public transportation.
- Citizens are required to observe social distancing protocols, wear cloth face coverings in public, stay home if they are sick, and seek medical attention if they show symptoms of COVID-19. If you have a fever and/or cough, call 117.
- The President of Sierra Leone has declared a state of emergency and has convened a COVID-19 response team. Please monitor local media sources for information on any additional restrictions that may be put in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visit the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health website for more information.
- Find additional information here: Sierra Leone Alerts and Advisories
