ABUJA

Gambia's Vice President Isatou Touray has been infected by the novel coronavirus, the presidency said on Wednesday.

"The President, Adama Barrow will be on self-isolation with immediate effect for two weeks," the State House said in the statement.

The Gambian government urges citizens to wear masks, socially distance and wash hands.

Gambia so far has reported 326 cases and eight deaths from the coronavirus, while 66 people have recovered.

Since first appearing in China last December, the novel coronavirus has spread to at least 188 countries and regions. The US, Brazil, and Russia are currently the countries hardest hit in the world.

The pandemic has killed over 662,000 people worldwide, with over 16.8 million confirmed cases and over 9.8 million recoveries, according to figures compiled by the US’ Johns Hopkins University.

*Writing by Burak Bir