President Adama Barrow of Gambia has declared a state of emergency and introduced nationwide night curfew for 21 days as coronavirus cases keep rising.
The president said the borders and airspace will remain closed except for cargo, diplomats, and those seeking treatment abroad.
He said the rising cases were worrisome. The country has recorded nearly 700 cases including 16 deaths.
The vice-president and three ministers are among those infected by the virus, but the president tested negative on Monday.
Worship places remain closed in the country and schools will only allow final year students to sit for exit examinations from 17 August.
All markets and shopping areas will close every Sunday for cleaning and fumigation.
In another report, US President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested delaying the 2020 presidential election, citing the coronavirus and what he said would be “fraudulent” voting.
“Delay the Election until people can properly, securely and safely vote???” Trump asked in a tweet.
“With Universal Mail-In Voting (not Absentee Voting, which is good), 2020 will be the most INACCURATE & FRAUDULENT Election in history. It will be a great embarrassment to the USA,” the tweet said.
