A Public Health Nurse, Cindy Ofori-Appiah, has advised the public, especially politicians not to politicise issues on the coronavirus outbreak.
She observed that some Ghanaians were doing politics with the cases being recorded in Ghana and how the pandemic is being managed since it broke out in the country.
Speaking on Atinka FMs’ Drive Talk, hosted by DJ Candyman, Cindy Ofori-Appiah stated that,”Let us put politics aside and think of Ghana. If this affects a lot of people in your constituency, who will vote for you? If it affects one person it affects everyone.”
Touching on the health delivery system in the Ghana, she stated that although it might not be the best, it is not doing bad as people think.
“Government has engaged those nurses at home to ensure the safety of Ghanaians. We the health workers are all at risk but we have dedicated ourselves to serve God and the people. We may not be better than other African countries but Ghana is better. Our health system might not be the best but we are doing well. There is more room for improvement”, she said.
Meanwhile, she advised Ghanaians to adhere to precautionary measures to prevent themselves from being infected.
“We are telling Ghanaians that if we do not protect ourselves and this affects more people it will do us no good. As we are doing self quarantine, let us also eat well,” she added.
Cindy Ofori-Appiah also appealed to traders not to inflate prices of goods including sanitizers so that the ordinary Ghanaian can afford it.
For those who wear gloves in town and at their offices because they see foreigners use gloves, she advised them to put a stop to it, adding that it is rather appropriate for health workers to use it.
She noticed that some wear it from morning till evening, put it down and wear it the next day, some even wear it upside down while some wear it and use it to eat with spoon.
“If you are wearing gloves on the street, you are a transmitter. Imagine a health worker wearing it at office and bringing it to pick a public transport. Wearing the mask is ideally for those who have weaker immune system. So if my immune system is strong, I do not need a mask,” she added.
She advised that,”When we sit, we should allow at least 1.5 meters space between us, so that if someone coughs it wouldn’t affect you. If you wash your hands you have washed off the virus.”
Cindy Ofori-Appiah noted that although prisoners cannot be released, proper measures must be taken so that the virus does not spread there.
For Pregnant women, she said if they get infected, the virus might affect their babies hence the need to protect themselves.
“Already when they are pregnant, their immune system is weak,” she explained.
Market women
Cindy Ofori-Appiah urged traders to get hand sanitizers, change their clothes or wash them immediately after using them at the market.
“If you can wear apron, wear it so that when you close you take it off and wash it. Wash your hand at the market before you even get on the bus. Coronavirus will not kill you, it is manageable.. Its incubation period is 14 days. So if you experience symptoms including cold, cough, fever, sore throat, lost of appetite and others, call the numbers given out and report it to the health professionals,” she added.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
