Ebola shutdown uncovers 70 dead in S. Leone capital

Sierra Leone wrapped up its 72-hour shutdown on Sunday, September 21. Authorities report that the action aimed at containing the Ebola epidemic had uncovered up to 70 dead bodies in and around the capital. Most of the west African country’s 6 million people were confined to their homes for a third straight day, with only essential workers such as health professionals and security forces exempt. Almost 30,000 volunteers have been going door-to-door to educate locals and hand out soap. Independent observers voiced concerns over the quality of advice being given out, deeming the shutdown a “mixed success” and complaining about the poor training of the door-to-door teams. Aid organizations and medical experts questioned the feasibility of reaching 1.5 million homes in three days and argued it could erode trust between the government and the people. Human Rights Watch’s Joe Amon described the shutdown as “more of a publicity stunt than a health intervention.”

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