Health ministry data has showed that Coronavirus cases in Gambia, mainland Africa’s smallest country, have surged over 60% in the last seven days to nearly 800 cases.

Authorities attributed the rise to people relaxing their guard on protective measures that had so far kept Gambia’s case total the lowest in Africa. Testing has also increased in the country, where the number of deaths is 16.

Government spokesman Ebrima Sankareh said that there is increased enforcement of mask-wearing and other measures across the country.

He added that Gambia will increase police, paramilitary, marine and immigration presence on its border as scores of Senegalese return from celebrating Eid al-Adha in neighbouring Senegal, which has recorded over 10,400 cases.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices