Sierra Leone's bustling markets have been busier than usual in recent days. With a nationwide, stay-at-home lockdown down about to come in to effect, the nation has been stocking up.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) MAHAWA ALLIEU, FREETOWN RESIDENT, SAYING:

"It is better to stay at home for three days, even 21 days, than to lose thousands of people in a single day. So to me, I think is very important. It is necessary, and it is called for."

The lockdown is aimed at helping health workers fight the worst outbreak of Ebola in history. Of the approximately 2000 deaths in West Africa to date, more than 500 have occurred in Sierra Leone.

More than 30,000 volunteers will spend three days fanning out across the country, going house to house with information. Steven Gaogia is coordinating the effort.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) COORDINATOR OF THE EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER, STEVEN GAOGIA, SAYING:

"They will be going from house to house basically to be able to provide very cl