MONROVIA, LIBERIA- Official of the World Bank, Mariana Bakanova, says about five-hundred-twenty-six-thousand Liberians are at risk of falling below the poverty line this year, as the result of the Corona-virus pandemic.

According to the World Bank Economic update 2020 for Liberia, negative per-capita growth and high food prices are expected to drive the poverty rate up in the near future.

In a virtual conference Thursday, July 30, 2020, Madam Bakanova said the Country will suffer from reduced remittances mainly from the United States, which is also battling COVID-19.

She, however, lauded the Liberian Government for its swift intervention to contain the community spread of COVID-19, and other social responses in the Country.

The World Bank Official urged Government to take short term measures, including adapting fiscal policies, scaling up social protection and support financial sector development to strengthen the COVID-19 response.