Unknown to people and surrounded by myths, the coronavirus pandemic ultimately affected many people in Somaliland. The admin began to resort to aggressive awareness campaign using all forms of communication to get its message to the deaf and the blind: brochures, fliers, posters on poles, and loudspeakers on cars. They are seen everywhere; there are police units on duty to enforce the social distance as many townsfolk are nomads unbothered by the rules of engagement.
Municipality said to relocate garment markets to stadiums and open space as floods of customers are expect to come the downtowns buying new clothes and toys for kids before this Eid festival. The gathering whatever reason increases the chance of spreading infections.
Although the president called for closure of mosques, some Imams have defied his authority so far but the president reiterated to impose on the curfew.
Face masks are worn by few people on the streets and cafes; many doctors don’t have the PPE.
Dr. Gaboose gave his last farewell health forewarning weeks ago “we can only win if we succeed to test travelers and close our borders, that policy can be a game changer.” He cautioned “if the threats comes in, we can’t fight because we have no resources like specialists and ventilators; we witnessed how the developed world is devastated by the corvid-19.”
The Khat Ban wasn’t effective. The khat addicts buy it and socialize in their usual gatherings in sealed shelters worsening the disease communication. Two innocent people were shot by the police on the outskirts of Hargeisa, they mistaken for Khat smugglers and dealers. As result the ban loosened despite hundreds of cars confiscated when caught red handed.
The police chase Khat smuggling vans and vehicles remind the people of the early 80s when President Barre involved in stopping the Khat trade, many scholars consider it a drug therefore it is Haram, they say.
