The President of Somaliland H.E Musa Bihi Abdi on Thursday chaired weekly cabinet meetings via video conference and discussed on the preventive measures against the spread of the deadly COVID-19. It is the first Cabinet meeting held via video link in the history of Somaliland.
The minister of health, Omar Ali Abdilahi has spoken on the ongoing efforts and preparedness that the ministry of health is spearheading nationwide in conjunction with the National Committee for COVID-19 Preparedness and Response.
The health minister has said that public safety is the number one priority.
While speaking at the cabinet meeting via video conference, Mr. Omar reiterated that the ministry of health has conducted tests on people suspected to have COVID-19.
The minister has said that Somaliland has confirmed 5 cases that were already announced.
He said that the results of the blood samples taken from two other people suspected of contracting COVID-19 will be announced once the results are out.
Omar further stated that the ministry of health has built quarantine centers across all provinces and border crossing points which have health workers.
The Vice President, Abdirahman Sayli’i as the chair of the Committee tasked against the prevention of COVID-19, has stressed that they are on high alert and are working round the clock in the battle against the spread of COVID-19.
The VP has said that the work is going on smoothly and are working closely with regional and district level committees.
Mr. Sayli’i has disclosed that they are in a position to carry out the measures issued by the committee against the prevention of COVID-19.
The Finance Minister, Dr. Sa’ad Ali Shire has also said that COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the forecast of the 2020 national budget and it is likely to cause economic downturn.
He urged ministers and government agencies to have a high sense of frugality in terms of budget expenditure.
He pledged that the government is expected to have a national plan pertaining to the economic impact of COVID-19 could have on the populace.
The ministers have agreed upon to step up raising awareness on the deadly COVID-19 to the public.
The cabinet called on the public to abide by the directives and guidelines issued by the Committee.
