The Gambia is currently grappling with a series of misconceptions surrounding the Covid-19 related vaccines especially on social media.
According to some people, the Covid-19 vaccine was introduced to reduce the world population, particularly in Africa.
On the other hand, some people have the concept that the Covid-19 vaccine would lead to infertility in men and thus, reduce production.
Most of the people who spoke to The Point have expressed uncertainty of taking the Covid-19 vaccine due to the numerous misconceptions surrounding the deadly disease.
According to the 353rd national situation report since the confirmation of the first case of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in The Gambia, on the 16th March 2020, nine new COVID-19-related deaths were registered, bringing the total number of deaths since March 2020 to 254.
“The decedent’s age ranged from 50-87 years old and all had severe COVID-19 pneumonia with comorbidities. All were admitted in the COVID 19 treatment centre,” it stated.
The report further said 157 new cases were registered taking the total number of COVID-19 cases ever confirmed in the country to 8,920 and 91 and 66 cases were reported on the 5th and 6th. Of the 121 cases with known reasons for testing, 81 (67%) tested for travelling, 23(19%) for suspicion of COVID-19 after being sick, 5 (4%) contracts with a confirmed case and 8 (7%) wanted to know their COVID 19 status.
“The cases are composed of 86 males and 69 females with a median age of 39 years range 86 years,” it added.
The report also said a total of 1,003 new laboratory test results were received and out of this figure, 157 tested positive representing 15.7 % test positivity rate.