3,970 Cases, 79 Deaths, 37 Quarantines Recorded

By Aruna Turay

Today 31st March, 2021 marks exactly one year since Sierra Leone reported its first case of COVID-19 in the country.

As of print time last evening of 30th March, Sierra Leone records 0 new case of COVID-19, 1,090 active cases in isolation, 2,801 recoveries, 79 deaths, 3,970 total confirm cases, 37 in quarantine and 14,659 cases out of quarantine.

On this day in 2020, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation of Sierra Leone reported the country’s first case of COVID-19.

Samples tested at the Military 34 Hospital, and two other accredited laboratories to detect the virus, in the capital Freetown turned out positive.

The patient, a 37-year-old Sierra Leonean Male, had travelled to France on 12th March 2020. He returned on 16th March 2020 and was immediately put in mandatory managed quarantine for 14 days.

He was tested at the end of his quarantine period when he developed flu-like symptoms that subsequently led to the confirmation as COVID-19.

While there was still much to learn about COVID-19, the Government of Sierra Leone through its Ministry of Health and NaCOVERC instituted preventive measures which included but not limited to regular hand washing with soap and water; coughing into a tissue or a bent elbow, being sure to safely dispose of the tissue afterwards; maintaining a social distance, particularly from individuals coughing; avoiding hand shaking, touching the eyes, nose and mouth; and seeking medical attention early if a person develops a fever or cough.