In a desperate effort to control the spread of the Ebola virus, Sierra Leone officials have officially banned Christmas and New Year celebrations starting December 20. There's no specific date yet as to when it shall end.
Indeed, the Ebola outbreak has impacted even the social and cultural life of Sierra Leone, one of the three West African countries that continue to feel the disease's devastation. To prevent the risk of further infection, especially in the country's capital Freetown, authorities prevent the people from celebrating the holiday season. This means they are not allowed to hold any public gathering or to visit friends and family who may be living in other districts or provinces.
Military forces, meanwhile, will remain on alert while the holiday season is going on to make sure people will spend their time as much as possible in their respective homes.
Although majority of the people in Sierra Leone are Muslims, more than 25% are Christians. Nevertheless, they may be allowed to attend masses.
Critics, however, think that the ban may be going against the freedom of religion and thus against the country's very own Constitution. Moreover, they believe that the drastic measure may not truly help in preventing the spread of the virus, which has already killed almost 2,000 and affected over 8,000 people in Sierra Leone alone.
The authorities have also shut down bars and other nightspots that attract people to get together. They have also instructed the residents to limit their movements, especially when in the outdoors. Unless the reason for heading out was for "essential business" or for fulfilling religious obligations, they are expected to be in their homes.
Sierra Leone has also implemented a lockdown in Kono, a famous district for mining diamonds, after more than 85 people died in only 11 days.
Ernest Bai Koroma, the country's president, however, hailed the major improvements they're making in curbing the disease including setting up several holding and treatment facilities and more than 10 labs.