MONROVIA – Liberia has begun a 21-day lockdown in combat against the deadly coronavirus, however, the first day, Saturday, April 11, has been characterized by jammed packed banks throughout the capital, Monrovia.
With the long queues outside the banks, it is glaring that rush to prepare for the state of emergency is not only putting pressure on the banks but also ignoring the social distancing rule.
One of those who had gone to withdraw money from his account, Peter Massaquoi said, “We cannot be in our houses without food. The government should not expect us to be able to stay home without food – it’s impossible. The state of emergency was announced on Wednesday afternoon, some of us could not get to the banks on Thursday and Friday was a holiday. So, it should not be surprising to you that there are many people at the banks this morning.”
As part of the regulations for the state of emergency, people are allowed to move about in their communities for food, water, and other essential needs from morning to 3 PM. Only one person per household is allowed.
Speaking to FrontPageAfrica at about 11 AM, Gibson Nyemah told FrontPageAfrica, “I’ve been here since 6:30 this morning observing and waiting to see whether I can get my money out of the bank because I don’t have a dime to spend on food during this lockdown. But, since I came here, I cannot get money and others were here before me my brother.”Others were spotted with frowned faces as they were said to have waited for hours to collect their money from Western Union and Money Gram.
Alvin Kennedy was one of those wanting to received money from a relative abroad via Western Union.
He said, “My brother sent our food money for the period this state of emergency will last, but we cannot get it and it is bothering us on a serious note. I really don’t know how we are going to survive if I don’t get this money from the bank in times like these.”
For many, social distancing meant nothing if they could not get money to stock their homes during their lockdown.
“I know we’re supposed to have social distancing but where it has reached, I don’t it is time for that. Let us get our money from the bank first so we can continue our social distancing, “Michael Freeman, a resident of Sinkor said.
For her part, Madam Josephine Konneh is of the conviction that once they are under the sunny day, the virus will not have the strength to attack even when someone has it in the queue.
“I hear the virus can’t stand the heat and as you can see, we are all standing outside and the sun is hot. Even if, some here among us got the virus the sun will kill it before we leave from here,” she expressed.