Liberia is now the nation reporting the highest number of new Ebola cases...........

It seems that the people of Liberia just cannot get a break, after almost two decades of devastating civil war, we all thought we have turn the darkest corner of our Country's history and that the country was once again on the path to reclaim its former glory and rejoin the community of nations, but out of nowhere we got thrown another curve ball, this time in the form of the deadly Ebola virus.

 Of all the Countries battling the deadly outbreak, Liberia is now the nation reporting the highest number of new cases in the region, it has become the epicenter of the whole Ebola fight. And because Liberia is the Country suffering the most it is important that our people understand how Important it is to take this deadly disease seriously.Its been reported that some communities believe the outbreak is a lie, and that health care workers have been sent to kill them. In multiple locations around the Country, health care workers spraying chlorine – a cheap and effective counter to the spread of the disease - were attacked.

 I found a wonderful article on Australia's ABC.net.au news site that really explain what Ebola is.....

There are five strains of Ebola: Zaire, Sudan, Tai Forest, Bundibugyo and Reston. The Zaire strain, which is involved in the latest outbreak, is the most lethal with a fatality rate of up to 90 per cent. Humans can catch the virus from animals through close contact with infected animals' blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids. The virus is thought to reside within the region's fruit bat population. The bushmeat trade (the catching and eating of wild animals, including primates such as gorillas and chimpanzees), is thought to play a role in outbreaks of the disease. While cooking infected meat kills the virus, handling of the meat beforehand can cause infection.

Once in the human population, the virus continues spreading through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids. The World Health Organisation has specifically noted traditional healing and burial practices in rural regions as a factor in the spread of the disease.

Please my fellow Liberians,if you suspect someone you know is sick or is showing symptoms of the virus, it is very important that you not only take every precaution to protect yourself but you should also immediately notify the authorities. Remember your chances of survival is high if you are treated early.

President Sirleaf ordered third county under Ebola quarantine ......

The Liberian army has put a third County under quarantine to check the spread of the deadly Ebola virus, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf announced Monday.

"Lofa county in the north has been quarantined by the army," Sirleaf said after similar measures were taken in the counties of Bomie and Grand Cape Mount.

"So from now on, no one will be allowed to go to Lofa, no one will come out of there," Sirleaf said in a message to the nation broadcast over the radio.

"We want to protect areas that have not been yet affected," according to the president.

"We have given instructions to the army and we will try our best so that food will be provided to the county constantly, especially when we know that Lofa is one of (the) biggest counties."

In an effort to contain an epidemic that has cost nearly 1,000 lives throughout west Africa, the Liberian government earlier quarantined Bomie and Grand Cape Mount.

It cut off access with military roadblocks and restrictions on travel.

The quarantine has meant that traders have been unable to travel to buy food and farmers cannot harvest their crop, which has in turn caused shortages and sent prices soaring, raising fears people could go hungry.

Government of Liberia Launches National Action Plan against Ebola.........

A picture taken on July 24, 2014 shows staff of the Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse putting on protective gear in the ELWA hospital in the Liberian capital Monrovia. (credit: ZOOM DOSSO/AFP/Getty Images)

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has launched the National Action Plan presented to the National Task Force on Ebola by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in partnership with the World Health Organization.

As an initial contribution to the National Action Plan, the Government of Liberia has provided US$5 million to begin the immediate implementation of the plan.
According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf made the statement when she addressed the Nation in the Foyer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with additional measures aimed at containing the spread and caring for the afflicted with the goal of “No New Cases.”

Among the stringent measures, the Liberian leader announced that though she was expected to have attended the ensuing U.S. - Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D. C., U.S.A. next week, the Vice President instead will lead the delegation that will include a few cabinet ministers whose presence are absolutely necessary.

She also announced that henceforth, Government travels will be seriously restricted and limited to only those that are determined to be absolutely necessary and critical. 
The Liberian leader also directed that all non-essential staff, to be determined by the Minister or Head of Agency are to be placed on a 30-day compulsory leave and that Friday, August 1, is declared a non-working day and is to be used for the disinfection and chlorination of all public facilities.

“All borders that are to remain opened are to be directly supervised and controlled by the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization whose duties it shall be, working with the assigned health authorities, to ensure strict adherence to announced preventive measures including preliminary testing for fever,” President Sirleaf directed.

Other measures without exceptions are that “all schools are ordered closed pending further directive from the Ministry of Education.
“All markets at border areas including Foya, Bo Waterside, and Ganta are hereby ordered closed until further notice.

 “As previously directed, video clubs and entertainment centers must have improved sanitation including facilities for the washing of hands prior to entering and exiting as well as to restrict opening hours, and the number of individuals permitted to enter those facilities,” she emphasized, adding that “all citizens are seriously advised to avoid public amusement and entertainment centers.”

The Liberian President warned that any increase in prices of sanitation commodities used in the fight against Ebola Viral Disease will be treated as an offense against the people of Liberia. As such, she has directed the Ministry of Commerce to enforce this order and that all such commodities including chlorine, soap, sanitizers, fliers and buckets are to be imported duty free.

She also indicated that several communities are being considered to be quarantined based upon recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other relevant authorities. “When these measures are instituted, only health care workers will be permitted to move in and out of those areas. Food and other medical support will be provided to those communities and affected individuals,” the Liberian leader said.

“The Ministry of Health and relevant agencies are also to consider the cremation of all victims of the deadly Ebola virus. This measure is intended to avoid tampering with the dead and contaminating water sources,” she also directed.
She announced that the security forces, under the directive of the Ministers of Justice and National Defense, are again ordered to enforce all of these measures announced by the National Task Force on Ebola.

President Sirleaf reiterated that the Ebola Viral Disease has over-tasked the country’s public health facilities and capabilities as the nature of the virus and its rapid spread throughout Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, attacking, as it has, the way of life of the people of the Mano River Union Basin have posed national, regional and international threats to public health and safety of the gravest proportions. “This is unprecedented,” she emphasized, referring to the World Health Organization which has upgraded the outbreak to Grade 3 Emergency, the highest in its response category.
President Sirleaf acknowledged that this is not only a Liberia problem, and cannot be seen as a problem of the Mano River sub-region; but an international problem with which all must engage in the fight.

She expressed Government’s gratitude to the Medecins Sans Frontiers, and their partner, the Samaritan Purse who, at great personal risks, has continued to assist in the difficult fight against the epidemic. She also thanked the Center for Disease Control and the National Institute of Health of the United States for the much needed technical support.

President Sirleaf again reminded Liberians that Ebola is real, it’s contagious and it kills. “All of us must all take extra measures announced by the Ministry of Health to keep ourselves safe. The government will do its part. But you must do yours,” she urged, adding, “Denying that the disease exists is not doing your part to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

 Hiding sick persons is not doing your part to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Ignoring the signs and not reporting it to the health care authorities are not the ways by which we keep ourselves safe,” she said.

The President reminded all Liberians that the sooner all Liberians unite in fighting this disease, as I know

she knows they can, where each of us will play our part, the sooner we will overcome this disease and return ourselves to how we have always lived.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has launched the National Action Plan presented to the National Task Force on Ebola by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in partnership with the World Health Organization, though by no means exhaustive.

As an initial contribution to the National Action Plan, the Government of Liberia has provided US$5 million to begin the immediate implementation of the plan.

According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf made the statement when she addressed the Nation in the Foyer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with additional measures aimed at containing the spread and caring for the afflicted with the goal of “No New Cases.”

Among the stringent measures, the Liberian leader announced that though she was expected to have attended the ensuing U.S. - Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D. C., U.S.A. next week, the Vice President instead will lead the delegation that will include a few cabinet ministers whose presence are absolutely necessary.

She also announced that henceforth, Government travels will be seriously restricted and limited to only those that are determined to be absolutely necessary and critical.

The Liberian leader also directed that all non-essential staff, to be determined by the Minister or Head of Agency are to be placed on a 30-day compulsory leave and that Friday, August 1, is declared a non-working day and is to be used for the disinfection and chlorination of all public facilities.

“All borders that are to remain opened are to be directly supervised and controlled by the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization whose duties it shall be, working with the assigned health authorities, to ensure strict adherence to announced preventive measures including preliminary testing for fever,” President Sirleaf directed.

Other measures without exceptions are that “all schools are ordered closed pending further directive from the Ministry of Education.

“All markets at border areas including Foya, Bo Waterside, and Ganta are hereby ordered closed until further notice.

“As previously directed, video clubs and entertainment centers must have improved sanitation including facilities for the washing of hands prior to entering and exiting as well as to restrict opening hours, and the number of individuals permitted to enter those facilities,” she emphasized, adding that “all citizens are seriously advised to avoid public amusement and entertainment centers.”

The Liberian President warned that any increase in prices of sanitation commodities used in the fight against Ebola Viral Disease will be treated as an offense against the people of Liberia. As such, she has directed the Ministry of Commerce to enforce this order and that all such commodities including chlorine, soap, sanitizers, fliers and buckets are to be imported duty free.

She also indicated that several communities are being considered to be quarantined based upon recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other relevant authorities. “When these measures are instituted, only health care workers will be permitted to move in and out of those areas. Food and other medical support will be provided to those communities and affected individuals,” the Liberian leader said.

“The Ministry of Health and relevant agencies are also to consider the cremation of all victims of the deadly Ebola virus. This measure is intended to avoid tampering with the dead and contaminating water sources,” she also directed.

She announced that the security forces, under the directive of the Ministers of Justice and National Defense, are again ordered to enforce all of these measures announced by the National Task Force on Ebola.

President Sirleaf reiterated that the Ebola Viral Disease has over-tasked the country’s public health facilities and capabilities as the nature of the virus and its rapid spread throughout Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, attacking, as it has, the way of life of the people of the Mano River Union Basin have posed national, regional and international threats to public health and safety of the gravest proportions. “This is unprecedented,” she emphasized, referring to the World Health Organization which has upgraded the outbreak to Grade 3 Emergency, the highest in its response category.

President Sirleaf acknowledged that this is not only a Liberia problem, and cannot be seen as a problem of the Mano River sub-region; but an international problem with which all must engage in the fight.

She expressed Government’s gratitude to the Medecins Sans Frontiers, and their partner, the Samaritan Purse who, at great personal risks, has continued to assist in the difficult fight against the epidemic. She also thanked the Center for Disease Control and the National Institute of Health of the United States for the much needed technical support.

President Sirleaf again reminded Liberians that Ebola is real, it’s contagious and it kills. “All of us must all take extra measures announced by the Ministry of Health to keep ourselves safe. The government will do its part. But you must do yours,” she urged, adding, “Denying that the disease exists is not doing your part to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Hiding sick persons is not doing your part to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Ignoring the signs and not reporting it to the health care authorities are not the ways by which we keep ourselves safe,” she said.

She reminded all Liberians that the sooner all Liberians unite in fighting this disease, as I know  she knows they can, where each of us will play our part, the sooner we will overcome this disease and return ourselves to how we have always lived.
- See more at: http://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=3045&related=7&pg=sp#sthash.em3ejAQa.dpuf

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has launched the National Action Plan presented to the National Task Force on Ebola by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in partnership with the World Health Organization, though by no means exhaustive.

As an initial contribution to the National Action Plan, the Government of Liberia has provided US$5 million to begin the immediate implementation of the plan.

According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf made the statement when she addressed the Nation in the Foyer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with additional measures aimed at containing the spread and caring for the afflicted with the goal of “No New Cases.”

Among the stringent measures, the Liberian leader announced that though she was expected to have attended the ensuing U.S. - Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D. C., U.S.A. next week, the Vice President instead will lead the delegation that will include a few cabinet ministers whose presence are absolutely necessary.

She also announced that henceforth, Government travels will be seriously restricted and limited to only those that are determined to be absolutely necessary and critical.

The Liberian leader also directed that all non-essential staff, to be determined by the Minister or Head of Agency are to be placed on a 30-day compulsory leave and that Friday, August 1, is declared a non-working day and is to be used for the disinfection and chlorination of all public facilities.

“All borders that are to remain opened are to be directly supervised and controlled by the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization whose duties it shall be, working with the assigned health authorities, to ensure strict adherence to announced preventive measures including preliminary testing for fever,” President Sirleaf directed.

Other measures without exceptions are that “all schools are ordered closed pending further directive from the Ministry of Education.

“All markets at border areas including Foya, Bo Waterside, and Ganta are hereby ordered closed until further notice.

“As previously directed, video clubs and entertainment centers must have improved sanitation including facilities for the washing of hands prior to entering and exiting as well as to restrict opening hours, and the number of individuals permitted to enter those facilities,” she emphasized, adding that “all citizens are seriously advised to avoid public amusement and entertainment centers.”

The Liberian President warned that any increase in prices of sanitation commodities used in the fight against Ebola Viral Disease will be treated as an offense against the people of Liberia. As such, she has directed the Ministry of Commerce to enforce this order and that all such commodities including chlorine, soap, sanitizers, fliers and buckets are to be imported duty free.

She also indicated that several communities are being considered to be quarantined based upon recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other relevant authorities. “When these measures are instituted, only health care workers will be permitted to move in and out of those areas. Food and other medical support will be provided to those communities and affected individuals,” the Liberian leader said.

“The Ministry of Health and relevant agencies are also to consider the cremation of all victims of the deadly Ebola virus. This measure is intended to avoid tampering with the dead and contaminating water sources,” she also directed.

She announced that the security forces, under the directive of the Ministers of Justice and National Defense, are again ordered to enforce all of these measures announced by the National Task Force on Ebola.

President Sirleaf reiterated that the Ebola Viral Disease has over-tasked the country’s public health facilities and capabilities as the nature of the virus and its rapid spread throughout Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, attacking, as it has, the way of life of the people of the Mano River Union Basin have posed national, regional and international threats to public health and safety of the gravest proportions. “This is unprecedented,” she emphasized, referring to the World Health Organization which has upgraded the outbreak to Grade 3 Emergency, the highest in its response category.

President Sirleaf acknowledged that this is not only a Liberia problem, and cannot be seen as a problem of the Mano River sub-region; but an international problem with which all must engage in the fight.

She expressed Government’s gratitude to the Medecins Sans Frontiers, and their partner, the Samaritan Purse who, at great personal risks, has continued to assist in the difficult fight against the epidemic. She also thanked the Center for Disease Control and the National Institute of Health of the United States for the much needed technical support.

President Sirleaf again reminded Liberians that Ebola is real, it’s contagious and it kills. “All of us must all take extra measures announced by the Ministry of Health to keep ourselves safe. The government will do its part. But you must do yours,” she urged, adding, “Denying that the disease exists is not doing your part to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Hiding sick persons is not doing your part to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Ignoring the signs and not reporting it to the health care authorities are not the ways by which we keep ourselves safe,” she said.

She reminded all Liberians that the sooner all Liberians unite in fighting this disease, as I know  she knows they can, where each of us will play our part, the sooner we will overcome this disease and return ourselves to how we have always lived.
- See more at: http://www.emansion.gov.lr/2press.php?news_id=3045&related=7&pg=sp#sthash.em3ejAQa.dpuf