Algerian protesters have called off their weekly anti-government demonstrations for the first time in more than a year to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
This would have been the 57th week in a row that Algerians came out onto the streets.
Authorities banned the demonstrations, but opposition activists also urged supporters to stay inside.
There have been at least 10 deaths and 90 confirmed virus cases in Algeria.
Imprisoned activist Karim Tabbou was among the protest leaders who told demonstrators to suspend their marches, according to Reuters news agency.
The protests began in February 2019 after the then president Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced he was going to seek a fifth term in office.
As the protests grew, the 82-year-old scrapped his plans and stood down from power.
But demonstrators continued to fill the streets every Friday, demanding the whole ruling regime stand down too and accusing them of widespread corruption.
Some weeks, tens of thousands of people filled the streets of the capital Algiers.
On Friday, Algiers’ streets were empty apart from police and journalists, Reuters reports.
Ghanaian international and Fortuna Düsseldorf defender Kassim Nuhu Adams has added his voice to a chorus of messages urging people to practice safe habits in the wake of the deadly Corona Virus Pandemic.
The Novel Coronavirus has taken the entire world aback with the death rate now above 10,000. Ghana has so far recorded 16 cases of Covid-19 in the last 9 days with contact tracing exceeding 300.
The rate at which the virus keeps spreading across has led to almost all sporting events being postponed until situations improve.
To stay safe and ensure the rate of infection is significantly beat down, the WHO and other well meaning agencies have embarked on campaigns to sensitize people on several safe practices.
It is in this light that the Ghana Football Association has initiated the “KickitOut” Campaign to fight Covid-19.
In a video, Kassim Adams preaches how one can stay safe in this period and concludes by wishing Ghanaians and all well.
Hearts of Oak have decided to break camp indefinitely amid growing Coronavirus concerns in the country.
The club announced on Friday that all training activities have been suspended until further notice.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Premier League has been halted as part of measures by government to beat down the spread of the deadly virus in the country with 16 confirmed cases so far.
In this period of inactivity Hearts has decided to allow player get some rest while adhering to strict safety practices.
🗣 | @HeartsOfOakGH has suspended all training activities until further notice.
Great Olympics are close to completing the signing of Hearts of Oak forward Bernard Arthur according to local reports.
The Wonder club look to augment their squad for the second period of the Ghana Premier League season.
Arthur’s stint with the Phobians hasn’t been a successful story and that’s urging him to make switch to the city rivals this transfer window.
The 23-year-old has managed to score only once this season and has seen limited number of matches played so far in the season.
The former Liberty Professionals attacker joined Hearts of Oak before the start of the season after returning from a short spell in Algeria with AS Aïn M’lila.
Before then, he was playing for Tanzanian side Azam FC where he failed to impress.
Great Olympics are stealing a march on Eleven Wonders FC to land the WAFA Academy product as the latter have also shown interest in signing the forward.
Yolo actress, Mrs. Frimpong popularly known as Fella Makafui has been tagged as an Uber driver.
This sounds surprising taking into consideration the lifestyle lived by both her husband and herself on social media which suggests they are financially okay.
Well, it was her husband, Medikal who tagged her as an Uber driver in a post he made on his Insta story.
The couple were jamming in the new Mercedes Benz Medikal bought for her and amidst the enjoyment, tagged her as an Uber driver.
After posting the video, Medikal added “Jamming with my Uber driver lol†as he was being sarcastic and somehow romantic.
The post was out of pure excitement and joy as they were enjoying themselves.
Belgium born Ghanaian teenager Jeremy Doku has popped up on the radar of four clubs, GHANASoccernet.com can report.
The long time Liverpool target is been monitored by two clubs from German, a French Ligue 1 side and another club from England.
Despite the growing interest in the Ghanaian youngster, it will be difficult for any club to snap the 17-year old away in the summer.
Doku’s current contract runs until 2022, and the player has made it clear he wants to continue with his development in Belgium for at least another year.
Meanwhile, it is also understood that Anderlecht could give the player an improved offer next season to ward off interest from other clubs.
The former Belgium U-17 player was close to joining Liverpool few seasons ago after a breakthrough performance at the Euro U-17 champions.
Doku has made 21 appearances and scored three times this season in the Belgium Jupiler Pro League.
Popular Ghanaian rapper, Kojo-Cue has expressed his dissatisfaction on how some Ghanaian media houses are handling the coronavirus outbreak in Ghana.
Kojo-Cue took to social media to school some media houses on what to do to eradicate the virus in Ghana. In the series of tweets made by the rapper, he was of the view that running interviews at this crucial time is not the best thing to but rather getting a health professional to educate Ghanaians about the virus and it safety measures on their screens will be of much benefit to all.
He added that, if celebrities want to help, they will channel that through their social media handles to their fans and followers, for the mean time, the interviews on what celebrities think about the virus is not necessary.
Check tweet below:
If celebrities want to help, they can help share verified information on their social media platforms to the millions who follow them. Let’s utilize the airtime on prime media wisely. Please, no more interviews on what Boxer A, Singer B or Actor C thinks about the virus.
— #ForMyBrothers Album Out Now (@KOJO_Cue) March 20, 2020
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has spelt out a number of measures with regards to court procedures, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus infections.
A release signed by Mr Yaw Acheampong Boafo, National Secretary of the GBA and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the measures were to decongest the courts and also observe the prescribed social distancing protocols to prevent the possible further spread of the virus.
It said in view of the fact that there are presently cases that have already been scheduled before courts, lawyers may communicate with their colleagues in a matter if they were desirous of adjournments.
Where a matter is pending in a court, even if part heard, Counsel may agree on a date and inform the Registrar of the relevant Court accordingly by correspondence, the release said, adding that Lawyers may opt to take long adjournments within the term.
The release said all cases pending before the Courts must be adjourned to specific times on specific dates and that lawyers, must endeavour to appear only at the scheduled time.
Lawyers are to dispense with the presence of their clients and their acquaintances when applications are listed for hearing and in cases that are not part heard, the release said.
It said in cases that are part heard, lawyers must appear with the parties and witnesses scheduled to give evidence on the specific date.
The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has postponed the 11th National Development Forum (NDF) scheduled for March 25.
A release signed by Dr Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampah, Director General, NDPC, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said this was due to the confirmation of COVID-19 in Ghana, on Thursday, March 12, and the subsequent national directives issued by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on public gathering.
“A new date will be announced later, subject to further national directives on public gathering. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted,” it said.
Ghana so far has 16 cases. They were recorded in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions.
It reminded the public to follow the precautionary measures issued by the Ghana Health Service and comply with the Government’s directives on public gathering.
The measures include the regular washing of hands with soap under running water, the use of hand sanitizers and maintaining a distance of at least two metres from people who coughed or sneezed.
The President has also directed the indefinite closure of schools, the ban on social and religious activities for four weeks, among others.
It also advised the public to seek information about COVID-19 from only the state institutions mandated to give periodic updates on the pandemic to avert a panic situation in the country.
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has spelt out a number of measures with regards to court procedures, to help prevent the spread of corona virus infections.
A release signed by Mr Yaw Acheampong Boafo, National Secretary of the GBA and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the measures were to decongest the courts and also observe the prescribed social distancing protocols to prevent the possible further spread of the virus.
It said in view of the fact that there are presently cases that have already been scheduled before courts, lawyers may communicate with their colleagues in a matter if they were desirous of adjournments.
Where a matter is pending in a court, even if part heard, Counsel may agree on a date and inform the Registrar of the relevant Court accordingly by correspondence, the release said, adding that Lawyers may opt to take long adjournments within the term.
The release said all cases pending before the Courts must be adjourned to specific times on specific dates and that lawyers, must endeavor to appear only at the scheduled time.
Lawyers are to dispense with the presence of their clients and their acquaintances when applications are listed for hearing and in cases that are not part heard, the release said.
It said in cases that are part heard, lawyers must appear with the parties and witnesses scheduled to give evidence on the specific date.
“The National Executive of the GBA, entreats all its members to abide by the above guidelines to ensure that the courts are decongested to safeguard the health and safety of members of the Bar, Bench, staff of the Judicial Service, litigants and the general public,” the release said.
Fans of Scottish giants Rangers have voted against reports linking Ghana striker Caleb Ekuban to the club.
According to polls conducted by the Scottish press, fifty three percent of fans voted that they ‘don’t want’ the forward at their club.
The 10 million Euros rated attacker has been linked with the Glasgow club following his tremendous form for Trabzonspor this season.
The 25-year old, who has mostly played as an auxiliary striker or on the flanks has netted eight times in 25 games.
Rangers are without former Tottenham Hotspurs striker Jermain Defoe through injury, Colombian forward Alfredo Morelos is also out of form and could leave the club in the summer.
Ekuban recently returned from injury and is reported to be Steven Gerard’s preferred replacement for Alberto Morelos.
Caleb Ekuban joined Trabzonspor on a permanent at the beginning of the season after impressing on loan.
He scored 11 goals in 36 appearances in the 2018/19 season before making the permanent switch.
The Speaker, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye has directed all Members of Parliament (MPs) to wear face masks when working in the Chamber.
The measure is to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease among members and staff in the House.
Professor Oquaye, who was wearing a face mask, urged members to take the measure serious for the good of everyone.
The Speaker on Wednesday 18, 2020 directed the relevant administration to fumigate the Chamber and other sectors of the legislature before the House sits.
He also directed the Clark and the Leadership of Parliament to rearrange the seats in the Chamber in order for MPs to keep sufficient distance from one another in tandem with the World Health Organization (WHO) protocols.
The Speaker tasked the leaders to consider creating spaces using the public gallery and other available areas in the House to prevent MPs from sitting too close.
The Speaker said the directive for the new sitting arrangements due to the outbreak the coronavirus disease are in line with the WHO guidelines.
Kenny Rogers, a longtime star of country music, died Friday night, according to a statement posted by his family. He was 81.
Known for such hits as “The Gambler,†“Lady,†“Islands in the Stream,†and “Lucille,†Rogers died peacefully at home in Sandy Springs, Ga., of natural causes at 10:25 p.m., the statement said.
Rogers later developed “The Gambler” into a series of television movies in which he starred.
In all, Rogers had 24 No. 1 hits and was the winner of six CMA Awards and three Grammys, the family’s statement said.
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and in 2013 he received the Country Music Association’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, according to Variety.
Early in his career, Rogers led the band Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, whose hits included the Mel Tillis-written song, “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town.”
Born in Houston, Rogers was raised in public housing along with seven siblings. He had his first gold single at age 20 with a song called “That Crazy Feeling.”
Prior to The First Edition, Rogers sang with the New Christy Minstrels in the 1960s. After The First Edition disbanded in 1974 he launched his enormously successful solo career.
His duet hit “Islands in The Stream,” sung with Dolly Parton, grew from a suggestion by Bee Gees star Barry Gibb, who wrote the song, according to The Associated Press.
Until that point, Rogers hadn’t been thrilled with the song. But then Parton joined him in the recording studio.
“From the moment she marched into that room, that song never sounded the same,†Rogers said, according to the AP. “It took on a whole new spirit.â€
Last May, Rogers was admitted to a Georgia hospital for dehydration, amid rumors that his overall health was failing.
In 2018, health problems prompted Rogers to call off shows during what was billed as his farewell concert tour.
“Kenny Rogers has been working through a series of health challenges and has been advised to cancel all performances through the end of the year to focus on recuperation,” a statement from the singer’s management said at the time.
“I didn’t want to take forever to retire,” Rogers was quoted as saying. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to say farewell to the fans over the course of the past two years on ‘The Gambler’s Last Deal’ tour.”
Fox News’ Jessica Napoli and The Associated Press contributed to this story.
The Ghana Onion Drivers Association, operating along the Ghana, Burkina Faso and Niger routes, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Speaker of Parliament and other stakeholders over alleged Police extortions on the Bawku, Kumasi road.
The Association alleged that for the past three years officers of the Motor Transport Traffic Directorate (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, have been unlawfully collecting money from its members at various check points.
It alleged that whenever they transported onion from Niger through Burkina Faso to Ghana, the Police at the check points harassed them and collected monies from them even when their vehicles and load documents were valid and up to date.
Mr Osman Awini Mohammed, the Chairman of the Association in a press statement signed and read by him at a press conference in Kulungugu, Pusiga District, Upper East Region, said the situation was unbearable and had led many of their drivers out of business because the MTTD officers collected all the monies given to them by the vehicle owners and that caused them heavy loses.
Mr Mohammed said the MTTD was a major threat to their development in the driving business as many of their drivers ended up with financial challenges and family feuds that had cost some their marriages.
“When the Articulator trucks depart from Galimi in northern Niger, with full loads of onion with the necessary waybills, they are checked at the Niger-Burkina Faso border accordingly and allowed to pass, the next check point is Burkina Faso- Ghana border at Kulungugu which is also free but all other check points within the country, beginning from Bawku to Kumasi, the police extort money from us,†he said.
“Unfortunately it is when we enter our own motherland Ghana, that we are harassed, from Bawku down to Kumasi, at all the over 20 check points, the MTTD officers demand GH¢20.00 from each truck loaded with onion and about 25 such trucks move to the South each dayâ€.
He said the drivers were usually stopped at midnight for the money or were detained if they failed to pay, “this sometimes force the drivers to over speed in order to escape such harassment from the officers and we all know that such over speeding can cause accidentsâ€.
The Drivers urged stakeholders including the President of the Republic of Ghana to intervene so as to keep them in business.
“We do not understand why these monies are taken from us, there is no legitimate cause to justify this action by the MTTDâ€.
The checkpoints include Bawku, two, Zebilla, one, Bolgatanga, two, Walewale two, Tamale one, Buipe, one, and Kadelso-Kintampo, three.
Others are Jema, one, Techiman, three, Akumandan, one, Abofour, one, Offinso, one, and Kumasi-Kodie one.
The MTTD Regional Commander, Superintendent Williams Kpormegbe, refuted the allegations and said no such complaint had been brought to his attention.
He said the MTTD officers worked from 0600 hours to 1800 hours in a day and could not be at check points to extort money from drivers at midnight,“the police officers on the road at night are the anti-robbery squad who patrol the roads for security purposes,†he said.
Supt Kpormegbe said some of the drivers who made such allegations were those without the required papers to ply the roads and urged the drivers to go through the right channel to address their grievance.
Young people are not immune from coronavirus and must avoid socialising and communicating it to older, more vulnerable people, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
The choices made by the young can be “the difference between life and death for someone else”, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
Over 11,000 patients have died from the Covid-19 respiratory illness worldwide.
Nearly 250,000 patients have tested positive overall.
The WHO chief’s remarks follow reports that young people in many countries are being complacent about health warnings, because of the greater susceptibility to the virus among older patients.
The coronavirus outbreak was first recorded in China in December. But now the centre of the pandemic is Europe.
In Italy – where the virus has killed more people than in any other country – the death toll rose by 627 on Friday, reaching a total of 4,032, making it the deadliest day for one country since the outbreak began.
Speaking at an online news conference from WHO headquarters in Geneva, Mr Tedros said: “Although older people are hardest hit, younger people are not spared.”
He added: “I have a message for young people: You are not invincible, this virus could put you in hospital for weeks or even kill you. Even if you don’t get sick the choices you make about where you go could be the difference between life and death for someone else.”
Mr Tedros welcomed developments from the central Chinese city of Wuhan, where the outbreak originated, which reported no new cases on Thursday.
He said this provided “hope for the rest of the world that even the most severe situation can be turned around”.
Studies have show that people of all ages can be infected by the virus – but it is especially dangerous for older people and those with underlying illnesses.
The average age of those who died from Covid-19 in Italy was 78.5 years.
Fewer than 1% of patients under the age of 50 died in China, according to the New York Times. But it was fatal for nearly 15% of those who were over the age of 80.
The WHO is now recommending “physical distance” instead of “social distancing” to help prevent transmission of the virus, Reuters reports.
“We want people to remain connected,” said Dr Maria Kerkhove, a WHO epidemiologist, told the news agency.
“So find ways to do that, find ways through the internet and through different social media to remain connected because your mental health going through this (pandemic) is just as important as your physical health,” she said.
The government will spend more than 26 million dollars in the next 12 months on programmes aimed at mitigating the effects of the possible outbreak and spread of the dreaded Coronavirus in the country.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday launched the Zimbabwe Preparedness and Response Plan on Covid-19 strategy which shall see treasury spend 26,388,380 dollars.
12,144,606 dollars will also be channeled towards logistics, procurement and supply management.
Surveillance, rapid response and case investigation including ports of entry has been allocated 4,159,890.
Officially launching the Covid-19 response document at State House on Thursday, Mnangagwa said no country was immune to the virus which has claimed thousands throughout the world.
“This pandemic surpasses all that we have experienced before. Around 200,000 people have tested positive globally and around 7,000 have died worldwide,” he said.
The President said business has declined seriously across the globe and Covid-19 has shown to affect everyone including children.
Speaking at the same occasion, World Health Organisation country representative, Alex Gasasira also said the Coronavirus pandemic could be controlled adding that the UN health agent was grateful for the strong measures already put in place by Zimbabwean authorities to avert the disaster.
He called for a holistic approach to dealing with the National Preparedness and Response Plan.
“Your Excellency this is a pandemic that can be controlled we are grateful to you for the strong measures that Zimbabwe has put in place that are in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation,” said Gasasira.
Health Minister Obadiah Moyo said Zimbabwe has not recorded any positive case of Covid-19.
He commended support from various stakeholders including the Chinese Embassy and the British Embassy in boosting the country’s response to the pandemic.
An earlier report indicating that eight out of the 16 coronavirus infected persons in Ghana have recovered is untrue.
The information provided by international statistics firm, Worldometers, and reported by local Ghanaian media was deleted after it was published for more than two hours by the team of developers, researchers, and volunteers who are updating the world on the status of the COVID-19.
The earlier reported figures published by Worldometers
Ghana confirmed five new COVID-19 cases on 19th March 2020, increasing the total number of recorded cases to 16.
All five new cases were reported from the Greater Accra Region.
Ghana announced its first two cases of COVID-19 on 12th March 2020.
The confirmed cases of the Coronavirus increased to six on Saturday, March 14, 2020, and then surged to seven on 17th March.
The cases, however, increased to 16 on 19th March. As a result, the government has placed a ban on all social gatherings including festivals, church and mosque services, funerals, conferences and others to prevent the spread of the disease.
Follow the official COVID-19 response updates provided by the Ghana Health Service here: https://ghanahealthservice.org/covid19/
The Founder and Leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry International, Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, has finally responded to trolls over his absence at the breakfast meeting held at the Jubilee House yesterday.
According to trolls on social media, the famous man of God was not invited because the government needed highly anointed men of God to pray in unison for the country amidst the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus.
But responding to the critics, there was no need for him to be worried about such issues because his level of anointing cannot be compared to some of the pastors invited for the meeting.
“No one should say I am not on the same level with those men of God. I’m more anointed than some of them. I became a pastor before some of them were called by God. I respect all the men of God invited to the meeting but not all. I believe they call themselves pastors who have gone to pray but as for me, I know it is only a few who will have God listen to their prayers,†Owusu Bempah asserted.
The self-acclaimed prophet added that some of these men of God after the meeting have called him but he cannot disclose their identity to the media.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo called for a meeting with the various heads of religious bodies to hold a prayer session at the Jubilee House in Accra on Thursday, March 19, 2020 amidst the growing cases of the deadly coronavirus in the country.
Present at the meeting included members of the Christian Council, Bishop Conference, Rev. Eastwood Anaba, Archbishop Duncan Williams, among others.
Citydia Supermarket has strongly condemned the treatment of a customer by a security guard in a viral video.
The shopper, a young white lady was abused for touching items in the shop after refusing to sanitize her hands before shopping.
An attendant at the shop defended the decision to manhandle the lady. According to him, the use of a hand sanitizer was important because the company wanted to promote a safe environment for all customers.
However, in a statement from the management of the company, stated that they do not promote any form of hate speech.
“We feel that the Security guard may have taken the case a bit too far. We pride ourselves with to keep our customers at the core of our activity, treatin them all equally,†the statement said.
In the said video, the security guard is seen in a heated argument with the lady who struggled to get out of his firm grip while he dragged her out of the shop.
So apparently the lady went to a Citydia in Ghana and refused the hand sanitiser they offer customers, and touched items on the shelves. So the staff forcibly threw her out.
Was it too harsh or are the staff justified in these heightened times of #covid19 ? pic.twitter.com/Ml6sivefbN
Eight Ghanaians who contracted the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are reported to have recovered, a highly placed government official has told kasapafmonline.com.
As at Friday, March 20, 2020, Ghana has confirmed and recorded 16 cases of the coronavirus.
Considering the number of recorded cases, it means 50 percent of victims have recovered.
They are reported to be showing no signs of the symptoms of the disease after undergoing numerous tests by the Noguchi Memorial Laboratory.
President Akufo Addo last Sunday announced the shut down of all educational institutions universities, second cycle schools and basic schools effective, March 16, 2020, until further notice in the wake of the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19.
However, BECE and WASSCE candidates will be allowed to prepare for their examination under prescribed social distancing protocols.
All public gatherings, including conferences, workshops, funerals, political rallies, sporting events, such as services in churches and mosques have been suspended for the next four weeks.
Private burials are however permitted but with limited numbers not exceeding 25 people in attendance.
He reiterated that travel bans announced are still in force.
Despite shoppers being told to desist from panic buying, some are still stockpiling leaving shelves of many super markets in Accra empty.
In a bid to stop the unnecessary panic, stores including Citydia and Melcom have put restrictions in place, including limiting number of products to be purchased by one person and reducing opening hours.
A visit by backend.theindependentghana.com to some supermarkets reveals that an unusual queues are being formed at some supermarkets as not more 10 people are allowed to shop at a time.
Some noticeable items fast leaving the shelves include, disinfectants, milk, Beers, Soft drinks, Meat, Oil, toilet papers, rice, just to name some few.
The Founder and Leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry International, Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, has finally responded to trolls over his absence at the breakfast meeting held at the Jubilee House yesterday.
According to trolls on social media, the famous man of God was not invited because the government needed highly anointed men of God to pray in unison for the country amidst the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus.
But responding to the critics, there was no need for him to be worried about such issues because his level of anointing cannot be compared to some of the pastors invited for the meeting.
“No one should say I am not on the same level with those men of God. I’m more anointed than some of them. I became a pastor before some of them were called by God. I respect all the men of God invited to the meeting but not all. I believe they call themselves pastors who have gone to pray but as for me, I know it is only a few who will have God listen to their prayers,†Owusu Bempah asserted.
The self-acclaimed prophet added that some of these men of God after the meeting have called him but he cannot disclose their identity to the media.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo called for a meeting with the various heads of religious bodies to hold a prayer session at the Jubilee House in Accra on Thursday, March 19, 2020 amidst the growing cases of the deadly coronavirus in the country.
Present at the meeting included members of the Christian Council, Bishop Conference, Rev. Eastwood Anaba, Archbishop Duncan Williams, among others.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has justified why the government has decided to seek God’s intervention in the quest to combat the spread the of Coronavirus.
President Akufo-Addo yesterday met Christian leaders for a breakfast prayer meeting, and the Vice President did same with Muslim leaders at the Jubilee House earlier today.
A few people have criticised the government for resorting to prayers to deal with the situation.
Vice President Bawumia, has however rejected such criticism, insisting that while the government puts in measures to curb the situation, it is equally important for Ghana, as a country of faith, to also call on the Almighty God.
“We have unflinching belief in the Almighty Allah that he has what it takes to save us and the world from this affliction,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“As Allah himself says in the Holy Qur’an Chapter 6:17, “And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except him. And if he touches you with good, then he is over all things competent.”
The Vice President himself prayed for Allah’s intervention, reciting verses in the Qur’an including Chapter 112, which he explained is one of the most powerful chapters in the Qur’an which underlines the supremacy of the Almighty Allah.
“Indeed, it is you alone we worship, and it is you we ask for help. May the Almighty Allah have mercy on us and save us from this malady,” prayed the Vice President.
The Vice President urged the eminent Imams and Ghanaians in general that, while praying to the Almighty Allah for his intervention, they should also seriously observe the preventive measures the government has announced.
“While we observe our daily prayers at home and supplicate to Allah to save us from the Coronavirus, it is essential that we continue to strictly observe the preventive measures that have been announced to help keep everyone safe,” the Vice President advised.
“Covering our mouths when coughing and sneezing, as well as washing our hands regularly with soap and under running water are some of the preventive steps we should continuously adhere to.”
Dr. Bawumia particularly advised Muslims to wash their hands with soap under running water before they perform ablution.
“It is also important for us (Muslims) to thoroughly wash our hands with soap under running water to ensure our hands are thoroughly clean before we start ablution.”
“As the government continues to take decisive steps to curb the spread and we strictly observe these preventive measures to protect us from contracting and further spreading the virus, inshaa Allah, I wish to urge our eminent Imams to continue to pray for us, our dear nation Ghana and the world.”
Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah has issued new directives to all judges and magistrates in the country to grant long adjournments in court cases not requiring immediate resolution as coronavirus cases in Ghana surge in the last 24 hours.
Consequent to that, lawyers with cases in court have been asked to go to court on their due dates without their clients, and request for the case to be adjourned to specific dates in May, June and July.
“Alternatively, lawyers on both sides of a case may agree together to adjourn the matter to a specific date to be communicated to the Registrar in writing, thus avoiding the need to travel to the Court for that purpose,†a statement issued by the chief justice advised.
Judges and magistrates have further been directed to ensure that in cases currently being heard, “only lawyers, parties and their witnesses are allowed in Courtâ€.
The new directives according to the CJ, has become necessary “to ensure that the Courts are sufficiently decongested†in accordance with the social distancing directives issued by President Nana Akufo-Addo on March 15 as part of measures to stem the spread of the covid-19 in Ghana.
“We are operating in very unusual times with no precedents to guide us,†he said, but said it is key ensure that the needs of the citizenry for justice are adequately satisfied.
From the first two confirmed cases on March 12, and a daily steady rise, Ghana has within eight days recorded a total of 16 cases of the global pandemic but no fatalities so far.
Figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) show more than 209,000 people have now been infected by the coronavirus worldwide and killed at least 8,000 people globally. The pandemic has caused health crisis in some nations.
At least 86,000 have recovered from COVID-19, data from Johns Hopkins University in the US has also revealed.
The five new cases confirmed in Ghana involved three localized infections as authorities say they have no travel history.
Ghana Health Service officials at the forefront of the disease are unable to tell how two of the localized cases were contracted because they have neither travelled outside Ghana nor had known contact with an infected person.
In the case of the 53-year-old Ghanaian male in Tema, officials say “no history of travel, no evidence of close contact with confirmed caseâ€.
For the 29-year-old Ghanaian lady of Accra, officials did not say how she got the disease except to say her “sample confirmed positive in the laboratoryâ€.
However, for a 34-year-old Ghanaian lady resident of Accra, she was said to have contacted an infected person her place of work.
A statement issued moments ago by the Ghana Health Service said all the five new cases were reported from Greater Accra Region and involved Ghanaians.
The fourth case is a 41-year-old Ghanaian male who arrived in Ghana by KLM on the 15 March 2020.
“[He] indicated exposure with family members in Amsterdam exhibiting respiratory symptoms and also on the flight with some passengers sneezing and coughing; sample confirmed positive in the laboratory,†the Ghana Health Service stated.
A 36-year-old Ghanaian male resident in Paris, France although arrived in Ghana with an unconfirmed case, he later tested positive.
Officials said there is “no evidence of contact with infected personâ€.
Though no death has been recorded in the country since the first two confirmed cases were recorded on March 12, there are fears the situation could get worse as Ghana appears to be moving from steady rise to a surge with localized cases being recorded.
Ghana has since March 15 taken a series of measures including a ban on social gatherings for the next four weeks, closure of schools and a ban on non-citizens from countries worst hit by the global pandemic from entering Ghana.
Eastern Regional Minister, Eric Kwakye Darfour has suggested the National Identification Authority (NIA) can continue to register Ghanaians for the Ghana card provided they are following the protocols to prevent any spread.
The Minister in an interview said the staff of the NIA, as well as the residents, are reasonably safe because the authority has put in measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Mr. Darfour told Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5fm that, the staff of the NIA have been provided with the needed logistics to protect them against the virus.
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the Economic Fighters League, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and policy think tank the Strategic Thinkers Network (STRANEK) have all called on the government to call the NIA to order.
They want the exercise suspended because it poses a threat to public health and safety.
But Mr. Darfour says there is no cause for alarm because measures are in place to prevent any form of spread.
The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis has witnessed a mad rush for “akpeteshie,†a locally brewed dry gin, leading to a shortage of the product following the confirmation of the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the country.
A quick survey through the Metropolis by the Ghana News Agency revealed that many of the popular drinking bars that sold the product in large quantities have run out of stock.
Health experts have explained that sanitizers with alcohol content that exceeds 65 to 70 per cent have strong resistance to the coronavirus and recommended the use of jelly alcohol-base sanitizers and methylated spirits.
A vendor, who introduced herself as “Daaviâ€, said experts recommended the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers as a means to deter the spread of the coronavirus after coming into contact with surfaces.
She explained that many families rushed to buy hand sanitizers to protect themselves but could not get it from the pharmacy shops and the few places which had it also increased the price astronomically which gave them no option than to resort to “akpeteshie†which is cheaper.
The buyers, she said, used the “akpeteshie†as hand rub since it had a reasonably strong alcohol base as a substitute to the sanitizer.
“Now, we have run out of stock within some few days because people bought them in large quantities and this was hitherto not the case. Even those who frowned on the product have come to purchase it,†she said.
When contacted, Dr Alfred Tachie-Menson, Metro Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), said: “Akpeteshie does not cure the coronavirus as purported since it is mostly made of 45 to 50 per cent alcohol far below the required amount.â€
He admonished the general public, especially drivers, to desist from using it to sanitize their hands and consuming the product as a means of protecting themselves from contracting the COVID-19.
He said it was better to wash hands with soap under running water frequently as that was a better way of preventing the infection.
The first patient to contract Covid-19 in Togo has tested negative but is still under medical observation, state TV quotes the health minister as saying.
The West African nation is now dealing with eight confirmed cases.
The government had asked people arriving in Togo from high-risk countries “to exhibit the highest sense of responsibility and patriotism” and work with the authorities to curb the spread of the virus, Health Minister Moustafa Mijiyawa said.
He urged the Togolese to “stay calm and not panic” but to follow strict crowd control measures put out by the government.
Blue Cross Blue Shield said they are expanding coverage for telehealth services, which includes waiving cost-sharing for all telehealth services for fully-insured members.
Scott Serota, president and CEO of the association noted in an emailed statement that the decision was made in the midst of the coronavirus epidemic: “The safety and security of our members and of all Americans remains our paramount priority during these unprecedented times.â€Â All 36 of the BCBS health plans and the BCBS Federal Employee Program are included in the announcement. —Christina Farr
California estimates that more than half of the state — 25.5 million people — will get the new coronavirus over the next eight weeks, according to a letter sent by Gov. Gavin Newsom to U.S. President Donald Trump.
“In the last 24 hours, we had 126 new COVID-19 cases, a 21 percent increase. In some parts of our state, our case rate is doubling every four days,†Newsom wrote in a letter dated Wednesday. Newsom asked Trump to dispatch the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship to the Port of Los Angeles through Sept. 1 to help with the influx of expected cases.
The state reported nearly 699 confirmed cases as of 9 p.m. ET Wednesday night, according to the California health department. Newsom said the virus is spreading in the community in 23 counties across the state. It is the third hardest-hit state in the U.S., behind Washington state which has 1,376 cases as of 6 p.m. EDT Thursday and New York which has at least 5,000 cases.
Theindependentghana.com is picking up updated information on the number of recorded cases of the novel Coronavirus in Ghana.
Available Information reaching us suggests that 9 new Coronavirus cases have been recorded sending the total tally 25.
Government is expected to hold a press briefing to update the public.
Earlier reports, however suggests that the government might be sieving the actual number of Coronavirus infections, confirmed by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in Accra.
Credible sources, have told The Independent Ghana, the research center could be handling more than 25 cases of infection.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has exposed the falseness in popular beliefs held by some people about the dreaded coronavirus disease.
Below are some of the 14 common myths about the disease which has claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people around the globe as at Thursday, March 19, and the facts presented by the WHO to discount them.
COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates
From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather.
Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19.
The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands.
By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases.
The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather.
The most effective way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water.
Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease
Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower.
Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands.
By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that coud occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
ody temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower.
Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands.
By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that coud occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes.
The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.
To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.
Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV.
To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new coronavirus?
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the new coronavirus?
Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus.
However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever.
This is because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.
Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body.
Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth).
Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?
No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.
The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against 2019-nCoV, and WHO is supporting their efforts.
Although these vaccines are not effective against 2019-nCoV, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.
Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.
There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold.
However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.
Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties.
However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.
Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.
However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus?
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care.
Some specific treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range or partners.
Passing through airports in Hong Kong and Tokyo this week highlighted the differences in the approaches of the two Asian hubs in dealing with the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday, after disembarking directly onto the tarmac we were taken to a quarantine area on the lower level of the airport.
There we underwent multiple health and security checks. My temperature was taken, I filled out a detailed questionnaire indicating I had not traveled to China, Italy, South Korea, or other coronavirus hotspots.
Two quarantine officers gave me a checklist of instructions for after I left the airport, including that I take my temperature twice daily and immediately report any abnormal symptoms to the Department of Health.
If I was to land in Hong Kong today, it would be even stricter.
The local government announced this week that anyone arriving from a foreign country is required to self-quarantine for two weeks, and will likely be issued an electronic monitoring bracelet that will alert the authorities if they leave their home or hotel.
Quarantine officers interview Will Ripley on arrival at Hong Kong International Airport on March 15
So far, Hong Kong’s intense measures appear to be containing the spread of the virus.
Despite Hong Kong sharing a border with mainland China, the number of cases in the densely populated city remains at 167– although the city has seen a spike in cases this week, mostly imported by international travelers arriving from countries struggling to deal with the virus.
Beyond the airport, it’s hard to spot someone in Hong Kong not wearing a mask. The city clearly learned painful lessons from the SARS outbreak of 2003, when some 300 Hong Kong citizens died.
The health-monitoring checklist issued by Hong Kong Quarantine officers on Sunday March 15, advising to do a temperature twice daily and report any symptoms to the Department of Health
Hong Kong acted early closing schools, public libraries and museums, and urging people to work from home, way back in February when it had relatively few cases. While the government didn’t go so far as to close bars and restaurants, when the virus arrived in Hong Kong many people took it upon themselves to stay home and avoid crowds.
Nobody is taking any chances. In Tokyo it’s very different.
Japan contrast
When I arrived at Narita airport in Japan this week our plane pulled up to the gate as usual.
I walked freely through the airport, more than 500 meters to the quarantine office where about 10 quarantine officers hastily tried to process everybody who came from my flight.
Nobody took my temperature, although I did walk past a thermal camera scanning for elevated body temperatures. But it was a cold evening and many passengers were bundled up in coats that could have hindered the camera’s ability to get an accurate reading.
My quarantine officer gave me forms to sign in English requesting that I remain in my home for 14 days, check my temperature daily, and avoid public transportation.
These were simply requests, and are not being enforced. I am following the suggested protocol, but there is nothing to stop me from going anywhere I please.
The document issued at Tokyo’s Narita Airport on March 17 requesting arrivals to avoid public transportation and monitor their symptoms for 14 days
Other countries have declared a state of emergency and gone into lockdown, but Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said the situation in Japan does not yet warrant his use of emergency powers.
In Tokyo, while many schools are closed, some large gatherings are canceled, and an unprecedented number of people are working from home, most bars and restaurants are open, lots of people are using crowded public transport, and parents still take their children outside to play, usually without masks. There is plenty of toilet paper on supermarket shelves.
In explaining why Japan is not on lockdown, Abe points to Japan’s relatively small number of confirmed cases, compared to other countries.
It’s true the island nation of 125 million people has 873 confirmed cases, compared to 31,506 in Italy, 16,169 in Iran and 8,413 in South Korea.
But there is a key difference between Japan and other nations with a skyrocketing infection count: Japan is testing a tiny fraction of people compared to many other countries.
By March 17, Japan tested just 14,525 people, according to the Ministry of Health, although some of those people had been tested multiple times. By contrast, South Korea — a country that has managed to stabilize a huge outbreak — can test about 15,000 people a day.
Japanese officials have said the country will ramp up its testing capacity to 8,000 people per day by the end of the month.
For an ageing society, a significant and rapid spread of coronavirus could have a devastating impact.
Widespread testing is the only way to know for sure if the calm in Tokyo is a true picture of the coronavirus situation in Japan — or if it is actually the calm before the storm.
One person has been arrested in connection with the seizure of over 12,000 slabs of substances believed to be cannabis in Keta in the Volta Region.
The exercise carried out on March 14, was a collaboration between officials of the Narcotics Control Board and the Ghana Navy.
According to NACOB, the substance, estimated at a street value of GHS12 million is one of its largest cannabis seizures.
Speaking to Citi News, the Head of Communications, Media Relations and Protocol at NACOB, Francis Opoku Amoah said they are pursuing other members of the drug syndicate.
“…We decided to undertake that operation in collaboration with the Ghana Navy. Investigations are still ongoing and very soon we will arrest all those who are connected. We will like to express our appreciation to the Ghana Navy and also sound a word of caution to other people who are in the business. We are saying that it is only a matter of time, NACOB will be on their neck,†Francis Opoku said.
Police arrests 217 with condoms, marijuana in swoop
A few weeks ago the Western Naval Command in a joint military-police operation around European Town and the Albert Busumtwi-Sam fishing Habour in Sekondi arrested 217 suspects who had in their possession, substances believed to be Indian hemp, money and condoms.
ACP Edmund Ohene Bosompim who is the Deputy Western Regional Police Commander said the swoop was to improve the state of insecurity in the area.
“There are cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, drug-related offences. Such cases are not only worrisome but also create security concerns. As law enforcement agencies, we have the mandate to ensure that people within the region are well protected to be able to attend to their business and activities.
“For this reason, this exercise was conducted. At the end of the exercise, the total number of suspects arrested were 217 made up of 194 males and 19 females. Dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, toffees suspected to be laced with narcotic substances, alcoholic beverages suspected to be laced with narcotic substances. Eight TV sets, five laptops and two decoders, eight TV sets, laptops, and condoms were also retrieved.â€
Two individuals are in the grips of the Kasoa Divisional Police Command for possessing illegal arms.
The two, Kwesi Solomon aged 22 and Francis Hammond, 19, were arrested by some youth of Gomoa Budumburam after they were found in possession of a locally-made pistol concealed in a handbag.
The youth handed them over to the Police.
Divisional Crime Officer for Kasoa, DSP Owusu Dwomoh told Citi News that the two will be charged with the offence of committing crime and possession of firearms without lawful authority.
“On the 13th of March, 2020, we had information that two young men had been arrested in Budumburam…We found two locally made pistols. They were brought to the police station. Upon interrogation, one of the suspects said he took the pistol from an uncle. They are now in custody and will be arraigned tomorrow. They will be charged with possession of firearms.â€
Similar case
On Thursday, four military officers were similarly arrested alongside five civilians by the Millennium City Divisional Police Command in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region.
The nine, armed with guns, reportedly robbed the Executive Quarry site in Gomoa Ojobi and made away with a cash amount of GHS10,000 one IBM laptop computer, one HP laptop, two system units, one money counting machine, a printer, and two security cameras all valued at GHS20,000.
The Central Regional Police PRO, DSP Irene Oppong indicated that the Director of the company reported that the incident occurred around 11:30 am on Wednesday.
According to her, the nine suspects include WO 1 Odei Nyarko Isaac, WO 1 George Boamah, S/Sgt. Ennid Michael and S/Sgt Aburam Abraham.
The civilians are Ransford Awuni Cornelius Akorasse, Nelson Kwesi Rayan Hodogbe, Ben Ajah alias Cliff Buckman, David Amuzu and Ebenezer Annan Quao.
They were arrested after a hot chase by the Kasoa Divisional Police together with the Millennium City Police. They were grabbed at Ofaakor, a suburb of Kasoa.
“We had a distress call from the Director of Executive Quarry that four military men armed with guns in the company of five civilians onboard two Toyota Landcruiser and one Pajero came to his site and robbed him of cash of GHS10,000 and other accessories worth GHS20,000 and three other quarries also reported same to the Police,†DSP Irene Oppong said.
Popular Nigerian blogger, Kemi Olunoyo earlier today made wild claim on social media about a popular celebrity who attended the just ended African Magic Viewers Choice Award with the deadly coronavirus.
Ghgossip.com has chanced on a leaked whatsapp chat bwtween the infected celebrity and another unidentified person who was advising him on the right thing to do in other not to further spread the virus as he has done at the AMVCA.
Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah has issued new directives to all judges and magistrates in the country to grant long adjournments in court cases not requiring immediate resolution as coronavirus cases in Ghana surge in the last 24 hours.
Consequent to that, lawyers with cases in court have been asked to go to court on their due dates without their clients, and request for the case to be adjourned to specific dates in May, June and July.
“Alternatively, lawyers on both sides of a case may agree together to adjourn the matter to a specific date to be communicated to the Registrar in writing, thus avoiding the need to travel to the Court for that purpose,†a statement issued by the chief justice advised.
Judges and magistrates have further been directed to ensure that in cases currently being heard, “only lawyers, parties and their witnesses are allowed in Courtâ€.
The new directives according to the CJ, has become necessary “to ensure that the Courts are sufficiently decongested†in accordance with the social distancing directives issued by President Nana Akufo-Addo on March 15 as part of measures to stem the spread of the covid-19 in Ghana.
“We are operating in very unusual times with no precedents to guide us,†he said, but said it is key ensure that the needs of the citizenry for justice are adequately satisfied.
From the first two confirmed cases on March 12, and a daily steady rise, Ghana has within eight days recorded a total of 16 cases of the global pandemic but no fatalities so far.
Figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) show more than 209,000 people have now been infected by the coronavirus worldwide and killed at least 8,000 people globally. The pandemic has caused health crisis in some nations.
At least 86,000 have recovered from COVID-19, data from Johns Hopkins University in the US has also revealed.
The five new cases confirmed in Ghana involved three localized infections as authorities say they have no travel history.
Ghana Health Service officials at the forefront of the disease are unable to tell how two of the localized cases were contracted because they have neither travelled outside Ghana nor had known contact with an infected person.
In the case of the 53-year-old Ghanaian male in Tema, officials say “no history of travel, no evidence of close contact with confirmed caseâ€.
For the 29-year-old Ghanaian lady of Accra, officials did not say how she got the disease except to say her “sample confirmed positive in the laboratoryâ€.
However, for a 34-year-old Ghanaian lady resident of Accra, she was said to have contacted an infected person her place of work.
A statement issued moments ago by the Ghana Health Service said all the five new cases were reported from Greater Accra Region and involved Ghanaians.
The fourth case is a 41-year-old Ghanaian male who arrived in Ghana by KLM on the 15 March 2020.
“[He] indicated exposure with family members in Amsterdam exhibiting respiratory symptoms and also on the flight with some passengers sneezing and coughing; sample confirmed positive in the laboratory,†the Ghana Health Service stated.
A 36-year-old Ghanaian male resident in Paris, France although arrived in Ghana with an unconfirmed case, he later tested positive.
Officials said there is “no evidence of contact with infected personâ€.
Though no death has been recorded in the country since the first two confirmed cases were recorded on March 12, there are fears the situation could get worse as Ghana appears to be moving from steady rise to a surge with localized cases being recorded.
Ghana has since March 15 taken a series of measures including a ban on social gatherings for the next four weeks, closure of schools and a ban on non-citizens from countries worst hit by the global pandemic from entering Ghana.
Ghanaian actor and Parliamentary Candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, John Dumelo has donated some items to the James Camp Prison at Roman Ridge in Accra in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
Ghana has so far recorded 11 cases of coronavirus (COVID-19).
To prevent further spread of the disease, the government has banned all public gatherings and closed down schools in the country until further notice.
Mr. Dumelo donated hand sanitizers, Veronica buckets, hand washing soap, toilet rolls, and detergents to the Prisons to help the prison officers and inmates fight the deadly virus.
The West African Examination Council (WAEC), has suspended the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) timetable until further notice.
The examination body further directed that the conduct of WASSCE candidates be put on hold until further notice.
A statement issued said the directives “will be reviewed†when the outbreak of the pandemic coronavirus improves.
“Kindly note the information for further action and communicate the directives to the Ministry of Education and the general public in your country,†the statement signed by E. K. Myers Ag. Head, IED for the Registrar said.
About coronavirus
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
Anglo American said on Friday it would reschedule work at mines in countries such as Chile to contain the spread of coronavirus but added there had been no material disruption on production.
The virus, which has claimed over 10,000 lives globally, has roiled global markets and forced miners such as Rio Tinto and Teck Resources to reduce activity as governments limit the movement of their populations.
“At certain operations, such as those in Chile, we are taking measures to temporarily reschedule operational work in order to help reduce the density of people on site and with it to reduce the probability of the virus spreading,†Anglo said in a statement.
The global miner, which produces copper in Chile, said its supply chains were functioning well at the moment as a result of engagement with suppliers.
Anglo said on Thursday it would reduce operations at its Los Bronces copper mine in Chile and said production losses would be minimal.
Information available to backend.theindependentghana.com indicates that Niger has reported its first case of the coronavirus, tracing victims travel history to Ghana.
According to a available information, the patient was reported to have returned to Niger after passing through several countries including Togo, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.
The 36-year-old patient is believed to have been working for a transport company.
He had travelled through Lome, Accra, Abidjan and Ouagadougou.
According to the Niger government, the patient is stable and efforts were ongoing to contain the virus.
Niger becomes the latest African country to confirm its 1st case of the deadly coronavirus also known as the COVID-19.
Sixteen cases of the novel coronavirus have been recorded in Ghana.
Three of the five new cases have no travel history.
According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), all five were reported from the Greater Accra Region.
The first new case is a 29-year-old Ghanaian lady who is a resident of Accra who has no history of travel.
The second case is a 34-year-old Ghanaian lady also resident in Accra. The patient is a contact of a confirmed case at a place of work; sample confirmed positive in the laboratory.
A 53-year-old Ghanaian male is the third confirmed case. He is resident in Tema with no travel history. GHS said there was no evidence of close contact with confirmed case and sample confirmed positive in the laboratory.
The pound has fallen to its lowest level against the dollar since 1985, as the spread of the coronavirus pandemic spooks investors.
It is currently trading at $1.15, a fall of almost 5% in just one day.
It comes as financial markets tumbled again after major stimulus plans failed to quell fears about the economic impact of the virus.
The Dow ended down 6.3%, while the S&P 500 fell 5.1% and the Nasdaq dropped 4.7%.
Earlier the Dow and S&P 500 had plunged more than 7%, triggering an automatic temporary halt to trade, but shares recovered some ground as Congress appeared set to approve a relief bill.
The pound’s weakness could partly stem from questions over how the UK government plans to pay for the emergency economic measures it has introduced, says Neil Wilson, chief analyst for Markets.com.
“This is the worst sustained period of sterling selling that I can recall,” he says. “The government’s massive fiscal package undoubtedly means more borrowing for the UK economy – how do we pay for all this?”
Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 index of top UK firms closed down 4%, with aerospace and travel firms among the hardest hit.
‘Economic fight’
UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed a £350bn stimulus package for UK firms on Tuesday, including £330bn of business loan guarantees.
It included aid to cover a business rates holiday and grants for retailers and pubs, while help for airlines is also being considered.
Despite this, investors are still flocking to the comparatively safer dollar, says Ranko Berich, head of Market Analysis at Monex Europe.
“The UK’s response to the incoming coronavirus shock has been about as aggressive as possible in terms of monetary and fiscal policy, but this has done nothing to help sterling.
“Idiosyncratic factors such as the UK’s monetary and fiscal response or Brexit are beside the point: this is about the US dollar, which is proving unstoppable as global financial markets stare into the abyss of crisis-like conditions,” he said.
Investors say rescue measures can only blunt the pain, as countries close borders and order mass closures, bringing most economic activity to a halt.
The US on Tuesday outlined a $1tn (£830bn) proposal to support the world’s biggest economy, which is expected to include direct payments to families, small business assistance and bailouts for airlines and other industries.
In the US, large companies have already announced more than 3,600 job cuts or furloughs, according to research firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The firm said some nine million other jobs at local bars and restaurants could also be at risk.
Car factories in the UK and elsewhere have halted production, while the slowdown has pushed other firms such as Laura Ashley and Flybe into administration.
Concerns about the damage have spurred a widespread sell-off. France’s CAC 40 fell more than 6% while Germany’s Dax dropped more than 5%.
Oil prices also plunged to levels not seen since the early 2000s, as demand contracts sharply, but exporters boost supply. The declines have even hit gold and government debt, which are typically considered less risky assets.
Asian markets have fared better than the US and Europe in recent days, but were also lower. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 ended Wednesday 1.7% lower, the Hang Seng in Hong Kong fell by 3.3%, and China’s Shanghai Composite lost 1.8%.
Sterling’s fall to a 35-year low against the dollar is clearly troubling.
It is down 12% since the beginning of last week, and 5% today alone. This is partly down to the strengthening dollar, due to its status as a “safe haven,” the inevitable result of global volatility in financial markets amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
But those aren’t the only reasons for sterling’s weakness. The pound has sunk to to just over €1.06 against the euro- its lowest level since the depth of the financial crisis 11 years ago.
The pound is likely to be at a record low on measures of its global value, to be calculated tomorrow.
At the same time, UK government borrowing costs are creeping up, with the presumption these would stay “lower for longer” now being tested in global debt markets.
Traders have raised a range of reasons for why the UK is being particularly singled out for attention.
There is growing expectation of ever bigger fiscal injections to combat the economic impact of the pandemic and the UK is still very dependent on foreign flows of capital.
Its strategy for dealing with the pandemic was seen, say traders, as an outlier amongst the world’s major economies.
Then there is Brexit. The UK has the extra economic challenge of dealing with a fundamental change to trading arrangements with the EU, perhaps on WTO tariffs, in the middle of this pandemic.
It is a very rough market out there, with some markets a little dysfunctional as traders are isolated away from their trading floors. But the UK is being singled out for especially tough treatment.
The novel coronavirus can infect anyone, but it’s older adults — ages 60 and up — who are more likely to get seriously sick from it.
Some tips are applicable to every generation, but there are specific precautions older adults should take to protect their health.
We spoke to two geriatricians and pulled guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assemble what people 60 and up need to know about the novel coronavirus.
Recommendations for Covid-19 may change as officials learn more, so monitor your local health department and the CDC for updates.
What’s your risk level
The CDC says “older adults” and people with severe chronic illness are more likely to become severely ill from Covid-19.
Infectious disease experts define “older adults” as anyone age 60 and up, so people in that age group should be cautious.
It’s possible to contract the virus at a younger age — it’s just more dangerous in older adults because the immune system weakens with age, said Dr Samir Sinha, director of Geriatrics for the Sinai Health System and the University Health Network in Toronto.
People over the age of 80 may want to exercise even more caution.
A report published in the medical journal JAMA that examined more than 72,000 Chinese coronavirus patients found that the overall fatality rate was 2.3%. But in adults over 80, the fatality rate rose to 15%.If you live in a community where there’s an outbreak, you’re at a higher risk of infection, too.
Follow the advice below.
What precautions you should take now
Cancel all non-essential doctor’s appointments, said Dr. Carla Perissinotto, an associate professor in the Geriatrics Division of the University of California-San Francisco’s Department of Medicine.
Whether it’s a standard check-up, a follow-up appointment for a stable condition or an elective procedure, if it can wait, then it should.
If you have an important appointment coming up, consider doing it in a video call or from your smartphone. Telehealth tech lets physicians confer with patients who may not be able to leave their homes.
Tell a friend, a loved one, a co-worker or a neighbour if you’re concerned about the illness. Appoint one of them as an emergency contact who you can call with concerns or requests for help.
Otherwise, do what you’d do during flu season: Wash your hands frequently, the right way (get ready to read that a lot). Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available, though washing your hands is preferred.
What you should stock up on
The CDC recommends keeping enough groceries and toiletries on hand to last you a “prolonged period of time.” There’s no timeline for the Covid-19 outbreak, though, so think basic.
tock up on toothpaste, detergent, water filters, etc.
Make meals and freeze them if you’re concerned about food.
But stocking up on medication ahead of time isn’t always plausible, Perissinotto said. You may be able to switch to a 90-day supply for your prescription. If this isn’t possible, the CDC suggests mail ordering medications.
How you should alter daily activities
Older adults living in communities where the virus has spread should take extra precautions.
Avoid public places where crowds may gather or poorly ventilated buildings where the risk of transmission is higher, the CDC said.
You don’t need to shut yourself off from public life — just be vigilant when you enter it.
Older adults should still exercise and eat right, just as they would at any other time of the year, Sinha said.
And again, constant — and proper — handwashing before, during and after a trip into the public is necessary.
How you should handle travel
The CDC advises against non-essential plane travel for older adults. Several US airlines have already slashed their flight schedules for the next few months.It’s wise to stay off cruise ships for now, too. Cruise passengers are at an increased risk of person-to-person transmission with all the tight quarters, the CDC said, so if you’re already made cruise plans, it’s best to cancel them.
What you need to know about self-isolation
The CDC recommends that high-risk groups in communities with outbreaks stay home as much as possible and that people who believe they’re sick isolate themselves.
But long-term isolation can be damaging. Perissinotto studies the effects of social isolation in older adults, and she said that loneliness and depression are “huge risks for mortality.”
“I don’t think the solution of totally being devoid of social contact is the answer,” she said. “Yes, there is some prudence we need to have in social distancing, but we also have to be careful to not isolate more — it can be very detrimental.”
So if you need to isolate yourself:
Don’t cut off contact with family or friends.
Keep in touch to update them on your condition and curb boredom.
If groups you’re a member of are still meeting and none of the other members are sick, Perissinotto said it should be OK to go.
Just exercise caution. It’s an individual choice, so if skipping out would reduce some anxiety, that’s fine, too.
And if you do go, be sure to wash your hands with soap.
What your family can do
To help you, your family should think ahead.
Perissinotto recommends that family, friends and neighbors of older adults do some inventory in case the older adult needs to isolate at home.
Does this person have what they need to spend an extended period of time inside? If not, help them prepare supplies.
If their caregiver calls in sick, is there someone who can step in to take care of them? Have a plan in place to make sure they’ll get care if they need it.
If they have a telemedicine appointment coming up, will they know how to access it? Set up the tech and show them how to use it to speak with their physician.
Getting prepared and keeping in touch can help keep families connected if an older member needs to isolate, Perissinotto said.And, of course, sick family members should not visit — stick to a phone or video call. And if a younger, healthy family member has potentially come into contact with a Covid-19 patient, they should self-isolate and avoid seeing older, susceptible family members.
What you should consider about nursing homes
It’s natural to be fearful for the family in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, Sinha said: Older people and people with chronic illnesses, both high-risk groups, are living together in tight quarters.
The good news: Most nursing homes and long-term care facilities are prepared for pandemics, Perissonotto said.
The CDC provides training for long-term care facilities on how to operate during pandemics. If you’re concerned about the safety of your family member or want to learn about the protocol their facility is following, contact staff at the facility.
What you should do when visiting loved ones at nursing homes
This depends on whether the nursing home is accepting visitors.
The CDC doesn’t recommend a blanket-ban on visitors — just those who show respiratory symptoms, like coughing and sneezing. The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine recommends that facilities screen visitors before entering in outbreak areas.
Some long-term care facilities have stopped allowing visitors to protect their patients. Call your facility ahead of time to find out its current policy and set up an alternative mode of communication between residents and family.
And it goes without saying, but if you’re sick, don’t visit.
What to do if you’re sick
If you think you have the novel coronavirus:Â Stay home and call your physician. If they think you should come in for a test, limit your interaction with other people and don’t use public transportation. They may provide a face mask for you to wear while in their office.
If your doctor is not immediately available:Â Consider calling a local coronavirus hotline. Some city, county and state health departments have numbers you can call to discuss your symptoms and learn more about the virus’s impact on the community. Keep in mind that these hotlines are meant as informational resources, and it’s impossible to diagnose Covid-19 without a test.
If you’re diagnosed with the novel coronavirus and your illness is mild: Your physician may advise that you stay home until you recover. If your symptoms are more severe, you may be hospitalized so physicians can monitor your condition.
Deaths from Covid-19 in Spain hit 1,002 on Friday, an increase of 235 in the past day, according to a Spanish health ministry official.
There have now been 19,980 total cases recorded, said Fernando Simón, director of the Spanish Coordinating Centre for Health Alerts and Emergencies, at a daily briefing.
The 16.5% increase in cases recorded (up 2,833) was slower than in previous days, but Simón warned that many factors affect the number of cases confirmed.
Some 1,141 of the recorded cases have been put into intensive care, Simón said. Some of the first people taken into intensive care are now being released, he added, though those numbers remain low.
Some 10,542 of the total recorded cases have been hospitalized, which is 52% of the total, Simón said.
On Thursday there had been 17,147 cases with 767 deaths.
Ghanaian striker Caleb Ekuban has been linked with a proposed move to Scottish giants Rangers in the summer as it is likely their star striker Alfredo Morelos will seek a move out of Scotland.
The Trabzonspor striker who started the season in blistering fashion had his season curtailed when he suffered an injury.
A survey done by the Scottish press this week indicated that 53% of Rangers fans are not so enthused about their club going in for the former Leeds United striker.
The Caleb Ekuban transfer has been compared to that of Tugay Kerimo?lu transfer in 1999.
In the news titled ‘Brigade 2.0’; It was reported that Rangers should be very careful and should refrain from paying a serious testimonial fee.
They reminded that Ekuban was 25 years old and Trabzonspor had set a price of 9 million euros.
Therefore, it was written that the transfer carries high risks. In detail, it was emphasized that Ekuban has scored only 3 goals and had injuries this season.
Members of Ghana’s Parliament (PMs) on Friday (March 20, 2020) were seen wearing face masks as part of measures to avert the spread of the novel coronavirus in the chamber.
The move is as a result of a directive by the Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye to all MPs to wear face masks while working
Prof. Oquaye himself was seen wearing a face mask in the House.
Ghana has so far confirmed 16 Coronavirus cases as at Friday March 2020.
According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) all the five new cases were reported from Greater Accra Region.
A 35-year-old man has been arrested for storming a registration centre of the National Identification Authority (NIA) firing warning shots in an attempt to halt the exercise.
The incident occurred Thursday, March 19, 2020 at about 7:40am at Obeyemi a farming community near Oterkpelu in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The suspect identified as Stephen Tetteh, according to Starr News sources, had threatened the NIA officials to stop working since the exercise could endanger the health of applicants in the midst of coronavirus outbreak.
Meanwhile, Ghana has recorded five cases more of the deadly COVID-19 disease bringing the total number of cases to 16.
The Ghana Health Service in an update said all five were reported from the Greater Accra region.
The first is a 29-year-old Ghanaian lady resident of Accra with no history of travel. Sample taken from her confirmed positive in the laboratory.
The second is a 34-year-old Ghanaian lady resident of Accra who had contact of a confirmed case at her place of work.
Also, a 53-year-old Ghanaian male, resident of Tema with no history of travel, no evidence of close contact with a confirmed case. Samples confirmed positive in the laboratory.
A 41-year-old Ghanaian male who arrived in Ghana by KLM on the 15 March 2020; indicated exposure with family members in Amsterdam exhibiting respiratory symptoms and also on the flight with some passengers sneezing and coughing.
The fifth person is a 36-year-old Ghanaian male resident of Paris, France; date of arrival in Ghana unconfirmed with no evidence of contact with an infected person.
This brings to a total of sixteen (16) confirmed cases in Ghana, with no death.
The coronavirus pandemic has now infected more than 246,777 people around the globe after doubling in less than two weeks.
Between the start of the outbreak in December and March 7, there were 100,000 confirmed cases recorded.
But another 100,000 people have been infected in just 11 days since then, largely due to a surge in cases in Europe. Over 10, 000 people have so far died from the deadly virus.
China, Italy, Iran, Spain and Germany have suffered the highest number of infections.
The current death toll suggests 4 percent of patients who catch the virus die from it.
But experts say the death rate is probably lower than that because the true number of infections is much higher is far greater because some countries, including the UK, are only testing people hospitalised by the illness.
Today marks exactly two years since former President of Ghana, and Founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jerry John Rawlings expressed his anguish about unfavourable coverage of him by the media.
According to Mr. Rawlings, Ghanaians generally are quick to consume news about him without taking time to understand what the stories really mean; judging him in the process.
“When the media reports issues about me, it hurts me people are not able to analyze their headlines and content of their stories before they judge,†Mr. Rawlings stated.
He made the statement while addressing party supporters at the Arts Centre in Accra during a town hall meeting being organized by Cadres and NDC activists.
The former president has come under attack by his own party for openly castigating the party while it was in power. The relations between the founder and some leading members seem to have been cold over time.
Mr. Rawlings said he hated evil and injustice so when people hate him because he speaks his mind, he is the least bothered.
Founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings says he gets hurt when the media give negative reports about him.
“When the media reports issues about me, it hurts me people are not able to analyze their headlines and content of their stories before they judge,†Mr. Rawlings stated.
The former President was addressing party supporters at the Arts Centre in Accra during a town hall meeting being organised by Cadres and NDC Activists.
The former NHIA Boss Sylvester Mensah, former Defense Minister Dr. Kumbour, former Eastern Regional Minister Antwi Boasiako Sekyere and other Party Big shots attended the event.
Former President Rawlings has come under attack by his own party for openly castigating the party while it was in power. The relations between the founder and some leading members seem to have been cold overtime.
Mr. Rawlings said he hated evil and injustice so when people hate me because I speak my mind, I am the least bothered.
He described the Special Prosecutor who was a former Attorney General in an NDC government Martin Alamisi Kaiser Burns Amidu as an asset who could have been used by the John Dramani Mahama government to its advantage whiles in office.
“Why should the NDC and the NPP be angry over a simple appointment?†he quizzed.
He hinted that his book which contains a lot of secrets will be out soon.
