The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has underscored the need to impose stricter restrictions in order to salvage the country’s situation in the fight against Covid_19.
According to him, the number of active cases and new cases has brought a toll on the hospitals set aside for Covid_19 patients, noting that those facilities are full.
“Our hospitals have become full, and we have had to reactivate our isolation centres. Our average daily rates of infection now stand at seven hundred (700), compared to two hundred (200) two weeks ago,” he said.
Addressing the nation on Sunday, he noted that Ghana’s active cases have moved to 5,358 within few weeks whiles the number of deaths have also jumped to 416.
About two weeks ago when he addressed the nation, he said about 13 regions had active cases, but stated that currently, all 16 regions have active cases, pointing Accra, Ashanti, Central, Western, Northern Regions amongst others as hot-spots of Covid_19.
He described the situation as alarming , saying that if care is not taken, the situation could become worse.
He therefore placed a ban on social gatherings including parties, funerals, weddings and others until further notice.
He, however, said that private burials can be held with not more than 25 persons attending.
Akufo-Addo reiterated that beaches, pubs, clubs remain closed.
For restaurants, he urged operators to encourage delivery services and not encourage people to sit and eat.
He also called on owners and managers of workplaces to encourage shift system since the workplace outbreaks has become a contributing factor to the rise in cases.
He urged religious leaders to continue to ensure that their members
Akufo-Addo also stated that Ghana’s land and sea borders remains closed until further notice.
For those coming in from Kotoka International Airport, he said non -ECOWAS members will continue to pay 150 Dollars, adding that if they test positive, they pay for their isolation and treatment cost.
For Ghanaian travellers, he said those who pass through KIA will pay 50 Dollars and if they test positive for the virus, the government will bear the cost.
He urged school authorities to ensure students and staff adhere to the protocols, saying that the Ghana Health Service will continue surveillance in schools and report positive cases for isolation and treatment.
He therefore urged all to wear their masks, obey the social distancing and not wait to be arrested before they adhere to the protocols.
Akufo-Addo also advised all Ghanaians to take care of their health by eating well, exercising and boosting immune system with our local food.
Ghana/ Atinkaonline.com/ PorciaOforiwaaOfori
