Senegalese President Macky Sall once again extended the state of emergency declared on March 23 until Friday end of June, with a night curfew to fight the Covid-19 so far, he said. we learned from the presidency. The head of state has issued a decree to this effect extending the state of emergency for another 30 days, according to the text of the document authenticated by a source close to the presidency.
Many voices are raised, however, demanding that the restrictions be lifted. They cite the price paid by the disadvantaged in a country where around 40% of the population lives below the poverty line according to the World Bank and where many live from day to day informal activities. The president announced on May 11 a relaxation of measures, such as the opening of markets and shops six days a week, the authorization to reopen places of worship and the partial resumption of school on June 2.
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But, although shortened, the night curfew has been maintained so far, as has the ban on travel between regions. Senegal announced Thursday to extend until June 30 the suspension of all flights to or from the country.
Friday's decree does not specifically mention the provisions of its application, such as whether or not to maintain the curfew. But the state of emergency allows the authorities to regulate or prohibit the movement of goods and people as well as gatherings, to temporarily close public or meeting places, to prohibit the movement of planes and boats, to rule on the points of entry and exit of the territory, or to assign people to residence.
It had been extended for the first time in early April, then in early May.
The pandemic is relatively contained in Senegal which officially declared more than 3,400 cases of contamination and 41 deaths. But authorities warn of the risk of widespread contagion, which the health system will no longer be able to cope with.
