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Tag: coronavirus in Ghana

  • Voters registration: Ghana Health Service bemoans lack of adherence to coronavirus protocols

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has bemoaned the lack of adherence to COVID-19 protocols at centres for the voter registration exercise.

    Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, made this known to journalists at a press briefing held at the Information Ministry on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.

    The voter registration started on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.

    According to him, in the morning, he observed that people queued before the exercise started.

    He said he saw three queues, and that in one, people clearly observed the protocols but the rest there was no adherence to the protocols.

    In all gatherings, we expect that people will wear their masks and ensure social distancing, Dr Aboagye urged.

    He has therefore appealed to traditional and religious leaders to help educate people on the safety protocols.

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • Police pick up two over unregistered coronavirus herbal medicines

    The Police, with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has arrested two persons and seized 431 bottles of two unregistered herbal medicinal products, purported to treat COVID-19, from them.

    The two: Dr Abdellah, Director of Dr Abdellah Herbal Home and his Research Assistant Dr Abdul Samad Bin Musa, are now assisting the police in their investigations.

    A Statement issued by the FDA and signed by Mrs Delese A.A. Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in Accra, said the two products seized by the Authority had been labelled “COVID Cure one and COVID Cure two”.

    It said the products were manufactured by one Dr Abdellah Herbal Home at Kojo Ashong, a village near Amasaman in the Greater Accra Region.

    Both products bear a forged FDA registered number FDB/TMPO3709 on them and have March 2020 and March 2021 as their manufacturing and expiry dates, respectively.

    “This breaches Sections 113 (1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851),” the statement said.

    “A visit to the manufacturing premises reveals that the products were manufactured under unhygienic conditions, which is also in contravention with Section 115 (16) of the Public Health Act, 2012, (Act 851)”.

    It said that the results of the laboratory analysis on the products conducted at the FDA’s ISO 17025-2017 accredited laboratory revealed that the products “do not meet the requirements of Total Aerobic Microbial Counts and Total Yeast and Moulds Count as per the British Pharmacopoeia Specification, which makes the products unsafe for use.”

    The quality, safety and efficiency of these products cannot be guaranteed by the FDA since the products have not been registered by the Authority.

    The FDA reiterated that: “It has not registered any product for the treatment or cure of COVID-19 and, therefore, cautions the general public against patronising such products.

    Manufacturers, producers, distributors are to ensure that their products were duly approved before putting them on the markets, it cautioned.

    The FDA assured the public of its continued protection of the public in terms of food, medicine, household chemicals and medicine devices.

    “The general public is encouraged to report all concerns to the FDA on its social handles and phone numbers 0299802932, 0299802933 and 0206973065.”

     

    Source: GNA

  • Some JHS students, teachers complain over delay of PPEs in Western Region

    Some Junior High School students and teachers in the Western Region have expressed their unhappiness over the delay of the delivery of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) by the government.

    All Junior High Schools and Senior High Schools in the country were asked to close down on March 16, 2020, in the wake of Coronavirus pandemic.

    But, President Akufo-Addo three weeks ago directed these schools to resume learning activities on Monday, 29, 2020 to prepare the final year students to write their exit exams.

    As a result, President Akufo-Addo promised to give three nose masks each to non-teaching and teaching staff; Veronica buckets, hand sanitizers, liquid soaps, thermometer guns, tissue papers among others to the schools.

    GhanaWeb on Monday, June 29, visited some Junior High Schools in the Jomoro Municipality, Nzema East Municipality, Ellembelle District, Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, and Ahanta West Municipality to monitor the resumption

    of basic schools.

    It was revealed that none of the schools visited had been provided any PPEs. It was observed during the visit that some students and teachers were seen without face masks.

    GhanaWeb also observed that some schools have managed to station some Veronica buckets at strategic places to be used by the students and teachers to wash their hands.

    At one of the schools visited, final year students were asked to go home before 1 pm due to the unavailability of PPEs.

    Speaking to some students on condition of anonymity, they said they were told that the government was going to give them nose masks so they came to school without one.

    “We were told that government is going to give us nose masks so we didn’t ask our parents to buy some for us but when we got to the school the story was different. We are now afraid. We tried to go home and buy some but we were not allowed to go”, they expressed their grievances.

    They, therefore, appealed to the government to speed up the process and provide them the nose masks and other preventive items.

    Some teachers who also spoke on the condition of anonymity said the delay of the PPEs promised by the government has affected their activities.

    “We are not safe so we are appealing to government to bring the items as soon as possible so that we can give it to our students and use some to protect ourselves,” they pleaded.

    In a telephone conversation, the Western Regional Director of Education, Mr. Dankwa Akufo-Addo said the PPEs are yet to be received by the Regional Directorate for onward distribution as soon as possible.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Basic school students appeal for mandatory testing

    Some final year students of Junior High Schools (JHS) in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region have called on the Government to conduct mandatory COVID-19 testing in all Basic Schools.

    The students who returned to school to prepare for their Basic Education Certificate Examination said they were happy to return but were afraid as they did not know the status of each other, thus the call for the test.

    They told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview during a visit to some Basic schools in the Municipality said though they would observe the necessary protocols to stem the spread of the disease, the test was necessary as they were coming from different homes.

    They also called on the school authorities to ensure that adequate preventive measures were put in place to safeguard their safety during the period.

    The GNA saw Veronica buckets filled with water, tissue papers, liquid soaps, and hand sanitizers placed at vantage points and entrances of classrooms of the campuses to enable students to observe the handwashing protocols.

    Students and teachers were also seen in masks, with “NO MASK, NO ENTRY” written on classrooms to limit the spread of the virus.

    Madam Dzifa Jemima Gidiglo, Headmistress of Kabore JHS told the GNA that the school was prepared to continue with academic work as the necessary preventive measures against the virus were put in place.

    She said both teachers and students would have to check their temperatures before entering the classrooms, adding that no student or teacher would be allowed to enter the classrooms if their temperatures were not checked.

    Madam Gidiglo said no visitor would also be entertained in the school and any student who left the school to the town would not be allowed to return the school.

    Madam Victoria Newlove Addae, Headmistress of Ho Kpodzi E.P Basic B said the school had put all the necessary protocols in place to ensure the safety of teachers and students.

    She said the school had taken delivery of some assorted items from the Municipality Education Directorate including infrared thermometer gun, masks, and hand sanitizers to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

    Madam Addae said the items would be distributed to both teachers and students to stem the spread of the virus.

    She said her outfit would ensure that both teachers and students adhere strictly to the health safety protocols so that there would be no record of the virus in the school.

    Source: GNA

  • Some Junior High Schools in Adaklu-Kodzobi area yet to receive protective equipment

    Three out of four Junior High Schools (JHSs) in the Adaklu-Kodzobi Electoral Area of the Adaklu District have not received the requisite items promised by the government for their protection against the Coronavirus.

    They are, Kodzobi, Have and Vodze JHSs were without Veronica buckets, liquid soap, and tissue papers during the Ghana News Agency visit to the Schools this morning.

    They were however provided with thermometer guns, face masks, and sanitizers.

    Mr. Edward Dzidza, Headteacher of Adaklu Kodzobi JHS told the GNA that they were assured that all Personal Protection Equipments (PPEs) would be provided them before schools reopened today but they were yet to receive some of the items.

    He said in the absence of the veronica buckets they had improvised Tupi cups to be used by the teachers and students.

    Mr. Dzidza said 27 students out of 29 reported for classes and all the six teachers were also at post adding that all students present were given two face masks and one sanitizer each.

    Mr. Seth Q. Adjei, Headteacher of Adaklu Vodze JHS said all the nine final year students and their teachers had reported at school.

    He said all the students were provided with three face masks and a sanitizer each.

    Mr. Adjei however lamented the exclusion of teachers who would be teaching the students from the provision of the face masks and sanitizers adding “it is a disincentive.”

    At Adaklu Have JHS, 19 out of the 23 finalists reported for school.

    Mr. Prince Selorm Kpenu, Headteacher of the school said they were provided with 56 face masks and 29 sanitizers.

    He assured parents that the teachers would do everything in their power to protect their wards from contracting the coronavirus disease.

    Ms. Etornam Klu, Girls Prefect of Adaklu Kodzobi JHS was grateful to the President for the opportunity offered them to prepare for their examinations and appealed to her colleagues to focus on their studies and also observe all the safety protocols.

    The President directed that all final year students of junior and senior high schools and tertiary institutions be allowed to reopen to prepare them for their examinations.

    Source: GNA

  • We deserve coronavirus motivation package too Mortuary workers to Akufo-Addo

    The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to have them added to the list of health workers billed to benefit from his motivation package.

    President Akufo-Addo, on Sunday, 28 June 2020, in an address to the nation, announced that all frontline health workers would be paid an additional fifty per cent of their basic salary to motivate them in the fight against COVID-19.

    The government had earlier announced a package to insure all frontline health workers in the country.

    However, MOWAG, in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Richard Kofi Jordan, noted that “it has been excluded in the said motivation package.”

    According to MOWAG, in an “eligibility criteria document that has come to its notice, it appears that the latter has been conveniently excluded from the said motivational package for unknown reasons.”

    MOWAG continued that it is “positive that the exclusion of its membership is an oversight” and urged the “government to cause the inclusion of our membership in the eligibility list” if that supposition is correct.

    It reiterated that “MOWAG is the final group of workers who handle the remains of the dead, including COVID-19 victims. It should, therefore, be only a matter, of course, to include mortuary workers in this package.”

    MOWAG was optimistic that the inclusion of its members, “will go a long way to shedding off the view that that segment of essential workforce has been treated unfairly for a long time.”

    MOWAG sees this as “one-time opportunity to cancel that impression.”

    Source: Class FM

  • Coronavirus: Face masks in short supply at SHSs at Ellembelle

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as part of measures to contain the spread of coronavirus in Senior High School’s, announced that all students will be given 3 facemasks upon resumption on Monday, June 22, 2020.

    The president in his 12th address indicated that Veronica buckets, sanitizers, thermometer guns, tissues, and liquid soaps will be presented to all secondary schools across the country.

    But a visit to all five public Senior High Schools in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region on Thursday, June 25, 2020, and on Friday, June 26, 2020, to monitor the situation on the grounds, our Correspondent was told by the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area that so far each student has been given two nose masks instead of three.

    The DCE, Mr. Kwasi Bonzoh explaining why the number has reduced to students at Nkroful Agricultural Senior High School (NASS) said, the consignment given to the Assembly was not enough for each student to be given three.

    Hence all students will be given two face masks instead of three. He, therefore, promised that rest of the face masks would be given later.

    “…So each student by the government directive is supposed to get three nose masks but the consignment we received we will give you two, the third one will come so if the headmaster gives you two don’t say the headmaster is hoarding them and these nose masks are from the central government and not the Assembly.

    Every school that I have gone, I see that students wearing nose masks so add these nose masks to what your parents provided and wash them every day,” he said.

    He also advised the students to take their studies seriously and observe all the protocols to avoid contracting and spreading the Coronavirus.

    “Today we are giving you (NASS) 20 Veronica buckets and we will add the 10 Veronica buckets later, we will give each student a bottle of sanitizer, the school will get thermometer guns, liquid soaps and tissues”, he said.

    Meanwhile, Headmaster of the school, Nkroful Agricultural Senior High declined to GhanaWeb, on the basis that the government has ordered heads of schools not to engage the media.

    “Please I can’t speak to the media because I have a text message on my phone and it is from Ghana Education Service that we the Heads of Senior High Schools should not speak to the media”

    The headmaster, therefore, directed our Correspondent to the District Education Director of the area for further media encounter.

    However, as of today, Monday, June 29, 2020, the government has not supplied the rest of nose masks to the students in the Ellembelle District.

    These schools are; Nkroful Agricultural Senior High, Bonzo Kaku Senior High, Esiama Secondary and Technical School, Kikam Technical Institute, and Kamgbunli Islamic Senior High School.

    President Akufo-Addo announced the indefinite closure of all schools, effective Monday, March 16, and with a ban on mass gathering as part of the COVID-19 containment measures.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Excerpt from Anas Aremeyaw’s COVID-19 exposé released

    An underworld of quack doctors and conmen have been exploiting the coronavirus pandemic and making money selling fake coronavirus cures.

    Investigative reporter Anas Aremeyaw Anas goes undercover in Ghana, exposing a Covid-19 scam said to be worth thousands of dollars.

    His investigative piece is expected to bring to light the corrupt dealings regarding the pandemic and how certain individuals are making money off the coronavirus with the excuse of selling potent cures.

    In announcing the documentary, Anas in a post on Facebook said, “Are you ready? It’s coming, the corona quacks and thieves in Ghana. It would be served hot on BBC Africa Eye. All major stations in Ghana.”

    In a tweet by BBC Africa, the media outlet revealed that the exposé, themed: Corona Quacks is a joint operation with Anas.

    “Uncovering a Covid-19 scam worth tens of thousands of dollars. An investigation by @anasaremeyawanas and BBC Africa Eye,” the tweet read.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • COVID-19: Ghanas case count now 17,351

    Ghana recorded 17,351 Covid-19 cases as at 28 June, with 12,994 recoveries.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who disclosed this in his 13th broadcast to the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic, noted that, “This means that, currently, we have 4,245 active cases, having conducted 294,867 tests, one of the highest on the continent”.

    He said 30 persons were severely and critically ill, and that the nation had a total of 112 sad deaths, constituting 0.6 per cent of positives, as “we maintain one of the lowest death rates in the world.”

    He reiterated that one of the key objects of government’s fight against COVID-19 had been to save lives, and reduce the number of deaths.

    He said the Ghana Health Service (GHS) had observed that most of the patients that succumbed to the virus died either on arrival at the hospital, or within 48 hours after arrival.

    “Unfortunately, we still have some persons in the country who are not taking the dangers associated with this disease seriously, and, therefore, do not seek medical help as soon as they have symptoms that suggest an infection of the virus,” the President stated.

    “There should be no fear of stigmatisation or embarrassment with being diagnosed with COVID-19. So, please, when you begin to experience symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, bodily pains, loss of taste and smell, and difficulty in breathing, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.”

    President Akufo-Addo said most patients, who were critically ill and needed intensive care, did indeed, survive the virus, if they sought medical help promptly.

    He gave an example that out of 53 patients admitted into intensive care units (ICU) at the Ga East Municipal Hospital and the University of Ghana Medical Centre, since the pandemic struck, 44 (i.e. 83 per cent), had fully recovered, and had been discharged.

    “This is, in part, due to the immense dedication and hard work being exhibited by our healthcare workers, who continue to care for those affected by the virus, and for the sick in general,” he said.

    “We all know that these are truly historic times. The world is reeling from the effects of this pandemic, and the things we took for granted, some six months ago, are now under question. The definite and undeniable have been replaced with uncertainty.”

    He noted that however, as with any other form of hardship, there were always lessons to be learnt, as there were opportunities for growth.

    “What we have witnessed, recently, is that, despite us living in an interconnected and globalised world, each nation, ultimately, stands alone in its challenge to protect its people,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    Adding that nonetheless, it was obvious that international co-operation, where feasible and practical, could serve to complement the resolution of national challenges.

    He noted that in Ghana, from the very onset, the Government had acted to limit and stop the importation of the virus; contain its spread; provide adequate care for the sick; limit the impact of the virus on social and economic life; and inspire the expansion of domestic capability and deepen self-reliance.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Incentive packages for health workers extended for 3 more months

    President Akufo-Addo has extended by 3 more months incentives he instituted in March this year.

    The incentives, announced during his 5th address to the nation, was initially for April, May and June.

    However, the President has announced that the incentives will be extended by 3 months to cover July, August and September.

    These incentives include scrapping of income tax on salaries and 50 percent basic salary bonus to all frontline health workers and insurance package.

    He made this known in his 13th address to the nation on COVID-19 fight by the country.

    Source: abcnewsgh.com

  • Coronavirus: Akufo-Addo reveals why Ghana is recording more deaths

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has advised Ghanaians to seek early treatment after they start showing signs and symptoms of the deadly coronavirus.

    The president in his 13th televised address to the nation on the measures taken to combat the coronavirus outbreak, the president said some infected persons who died through the virus failed to report to the hospital early when they started showing signs and symptoms 48 hours after contracting the virus.

    ”Fellow Ghanaians, as I have stated before, one of the key objects of our fight against COVID-19 has been to save lives, and reduce the number of deaths. The Ghana Health Service has observed that most of the patients that have been lost to the virus died either on arrival at the hospital or within forty-eight (48) hours after the arrival. Unfortunately, we still have some persons in the country who are not taking the dangers associated with this disease seriously, and, therefore, do not seek medical help as soon as they have symptoms that suggest an infection of the virus,” he said.

    The president said there should be no stigmatization against persons who have contracted the virus.

    He said: ”There should be no fear of stigmatisation or embarrassment with being diagnosed with COVID-19. So, please, when you begin to experience symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, bodily pains, loss of taste and smell, and difficulty in breathing, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.

    Most patients, who are critically ill and need intensive care, do, indeed, survive the virus, if they seek medical help promptly. For example, out of fifty-three (53) patients admitted into intensive care units (ICU) at the Ga East Municipal Hospital and the University of Ghana Medical Centre, since the pandemic struck, forty-four (44), i.e. eighty three percent (83%), have fully recovered, and have been discharged.”

    As at Saturday, 27th June, 2020, Ghana has recorded seventeen thousand, three hundred and fifty-one (17,351) confirmed cases, with twelve thousand, nine hundred and ninety-four (12,994) recoveries, representing some seventy five percent (75%) of positives.

    This means that, currently, we have four thousand, two hundred and forty-five (4,245) active cases, having conducted two hundred and ninety-four thousand, eight hundred and sixty-seven (294,867) tests, one of the highest on the continent.

    Thirty (30) persons are severely and critically ill, and we have a total of one hundred and twelve (112) sad deaths, constituting 0.6% of positives, as we maintain one of the lowest death rates in the world.

     

     

  • Coronavirus: Akufo-Addo has done well – Amoako Baah

    Political scientist and former lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr. Amoako Baah has commended President Akufo-Addo for measures put in place to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

    However, he feels more should be done because the rate at which the cases are going up ‘is frightening’.

    “He’s (Akufo-Addo) done well but the cases are currently increasing and this is the critical time we need to be careful. Things can change drastically and it is frightening for me” he said in an interaction on Neat FM.

    Ghana’s case count

    Ghana’s COVID-19 case count now stands at 16,742 after 311 new cases were recorded according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS)

    The number of active cases now stands at 3,910, with 12,720 recoveries.

    9 more people have died taking the death toll from 103 to 112.

     

    Source: Peace FM

  • Government extends incentive packages for frontline health workers

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has extended by three months the incentive packages for frontline health workers.

    Addressing the nation on Sunday, June 28, 2020, the president said, “this means that all health workers will pay no income taxes for the next three months, i.e. July, August and September.

    “Again, all frontline health workers, as defined by the Ministry of Health, will continue to receive the additional allowance of fifty per cent (50%) of their basic salary per month, i.e. for July, August and September.”

    He added, the implementation of this directive for the months of April, May and June have been fraught with some challenges, caused, mainly, by the protracted discussions over the definition of who qualifies as “frontline health workers” in this context.

    “I have, however, been assured that they have now been resolved, and payments will be affected from the end of June. I should reiterate that the insurance package for health workers is still in place,” Akufo-Addo stated.

    The President, however, urged the frontline health workers to remain professional and compassionate in their handling of COVID-19 cases. “Every avoidable death, be it corona-related or not, is a tragedy.”

    He, therefore, reminded Ghanaians to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols i.e. the enhanced social distancing and hygiene protocols which will not only save lives but also prevent the healthcare infrastructure from being overburdened.

    “Let us wash our hands with soap under running water, use alcohol-based sanitizers, maintain the protocols on social distancing, avoid person-to-person contact, eat our local foods that boost our immune systems, and, yes, wear masks at all times when we leave our homes.

    “These are the weapons of our battle. We must keep our guard up at all times, and see to it that sooner, rather than later, COVID-19 becomes nothing but a blip on our forward march to sustained development, progress and prosperity,” Akufo-Addo said.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus kills 112, case count now 16,742

    Death toll of the fast-spreading Coronavirus in Ghana has risen to 112, with additional positive cases of 311, new update has revealed.

    This brings to total a case count of 16,742.

    Additionally, the number of recoveries has also shot up to 12,720.

    Regional breakdown

    Greater Accra Region – 9,326

    Ashanti Region – 3,398

    Western Region – 1,431

    Central Region – 936

    Eastern Region – 571

    Volta Region – 337

    Upper East Region – 274

    Northern Region – 120

    Oti Region – 110

    Western North Region – 94

    Bono East Region – 52

    Savannah Region – 39

    Upper West Region – 35

    Ahafo Region – 8

    North East Region – 6

    Bono Region – 5

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Stop employees with mild cough from coming to work Government to businesses

    The government of Ghana has issued a directive to factories/enterprises to stop their employees with mild cough from coming to work and seek medical attention immediately.

    This is a move by the government to check the spread of COVID-19 at workplaces.

    These industries and factories, according to the government guidelines announced by Trades Minister Alan Kyerematen on Thursday, 25 June 2020, must dedicate one room within the factory premises as a holding room to immediately house or quarantine anyone who is suspected to be showing symptoms and signs of COVID-19 and be isolated from others while making arrangements for evacuation.

    The measures, Mr Kyerematen noted, feed into the general guidelines and protocols for easing of restrictions such as the use of face masks by all employees, provision of washing stations at vantage points within working areas and regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces.

    Below are the guidelines

    Social Distancing Protocols:

    Company buses and public transport for workers to and from work; Workflow adjustments including staff rotation at the factory and shop floor; and Customer service protocols including floor markings to enforce social distancing protocols.

    Sanitary Protocols:

    Provision of handwashing stations, with running water and soap; provision of hand sanitisers; and Enhanced regular cleaning and disinfection of regular use surfaces.

    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing, and other protocols:

    Use of face masks (No Face Mask, No Entry) and gloves for workers who previously did not require protective gear; replacement of safety gear with COVID-19 compliant PPE; and checking of temperature of all employees and customers.

    Factories and other industrial processing establishments:

    Stop employees with a mild cough or low-grade fever from coming to work and seek medical care.

    Stagger work schedules by breaking the workforce into shifts. Limit in-house meetings as much as possible and use online conference platforms.

    If unavoidable, sitting arrangements should follow social distance protocols. Employers should allow staff to work virtually, if feasible.

    Factories/enterprises with more than twenty-nine (29) employees to provide a registered nurse on site.

    Implement anti-stigma policy (No employee should be discriminated against, stigmatised, or sacked because they have tested positive for COVID-19).

    Employers must engage the services of experts to provide psychological and emotional support for COVID-19 positive employees and their families.

    Employers must ensure workplace confidentiality for employees.

    Carry out periodic fumigation of premises, machines and equipment.

    Industries and factories with more than 29 employees must dedicate one room within the factory premises as a holding room to immediately house or quarantine anyone who is suspected to be showing symptoms and signs of COVID-19 and be isolated from others while making arrangements for evacuation.

    Follow established evacuation procedures (as outlined in Annex 1) to enable evacuation if a worker becomes sick and has to be evacuated.

    Display approved health promotion materials on COVID-19 at vantage points to remind workers to keep to social distancing protocols, wear masks, regularly wash hands, and maintain coughing and sneezing etiquette.

    Work canteens must adhere to the protocols and preventive measures outlined in Annex 2.

    Enforce a No-handshake, No-hugging, and No-Spitting policy at all times.

    Form a COVID-19 in-house inspection taskforce.

    Members should be trained in health promotion and prevention measures, and evacuation protocols.

    If a person is confirmed positive for COVID-19, the workplace COVID-19 taskforce must link up with the local health authorities to ensure all contacts are traced, tested, and treated.

    Employers must have staff attendance monitoring mechanisms, either electronic or manual.

    Source: laudbusiness.com

  • Digital and electronic banking key to combating coronavirus – Ecobank MD

    Digital and electronic banking hold the key to the future of banking globally and combating the spread of the novel Coronavirus, the Managing Director (MD) of Ecobank Ghana and Regional Executive for the Anglophone West Africa Region, Mr Dan Sackey, has said.

    He explained that digital and electronic banking were fast and secure and provided great convenience for customers while minimising the risk of contracting COVID-19.

    Speaking during a virtual forum yesterday to engage customers and the public on the effects of COVID-19 on health in Africa as well as on individuals and businesses, Mr Sackey advised the public to use electronic channels for payments, funds transfer and other routine banking transactions, instead of physically visiting the bank.

    Held virtually via Facebook Live and YouTube, the forum attracted hundreds of participants, in real-time, with many shares and downloads of the event, was organised by Ecobank in partnership with the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    The public and Ecobank customers asked how they could cope with the current situation and continue with banking transactions as well as engage the bank in this era of the Coronavirus pandemic and also enquired about precautionary measures that the bank had put in place to ensure customer safety and what the future or a post-COVID-19 era would look like.

    Mr Sackey outlined some of the measures that Ecobank had put in place, as advised by recognised health agencies, to ensure the safety of staff, customers and stakeholders.

    He also informed customers about Ecobank’s digital channels, including the mobile and various online banking services.

    Mr Sackey stressed that the Ecobank Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) could facilitate cash withdrawal and deposit and the Ecobank Xpress Points, which provided basic banking needs and were available in over 1,500 community-based shops in Ghana.

    The Africa Director of CDC, Dr John Nkengasong cautioned participants to refrain from self-medication, as this could worsen their health conditions, especially during this period of COVID-19 pandemic.

    He warned participants not to take chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 without their doctor’s prescription because of the severe consequences, including deaths.

    “As much as possible people should stay home, exercise regularly, eat well, drink lots of fluids, and take adequate amounts of relevant vitamins. This will boost their immune system and prepare the body to fight diseases,” Dr Nkengasong advised.

    The African Director of CDC, who traced the history of pandemics, indicated that over the years, the world has witnessed one major pandemic every century, citing the Great Plague of Marseille in 1720, the Asian cholera outbreak in 1820, the Spanish flu in 1920 and now the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

    The Regional Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing at Ecobank, Mrs Rita Tsegah said the objective of the forum was to educate customers and the public strategies to “adapt to the changing times,” and the measures initiated by the bank to fight COVID-19.

    “Ecobank remains resolute to discharging its obligation by collaborating with partners that are committed to mitigating the impact of COVID-19,” she said.

    Source: Ghanaian Times

  • Coronavirus: Its evident SMEs have been resilient Dep. BoG Governor

    Second Deputy Governor of the Central Bank has lauded Ghanaian start-ups for been resilient despite challenges in the phase of the Coronavirus pandemic.

    Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, businesses have been hugely impacted with many having to close down or adjust by laying off employees.

    Madam Elsie Awadzi has thus applauded Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for weathering the storm. She noted that in spite of the enormous challenges the sector faced before and during the lockdown, the resilience of the sector has also been evident.

    “Even during lockdown, small food processing businesses, eateries, and others worked hard under very difficult and risky conditions to produce food and other products and services for households and other clients. Micro and small fashion businesses very quickly stepped in to help produce face masks for use by the public. Production of hand sanitizers and other health and safety products suddenly became possible in Ghana. With the continued easing of COVID-related restrictions, it is heart-warming to see that the MSME sector is slowly, but surely, bouncing back.”

    The deputy governor of the BoG was speaking at a forum themed “MSME Manufacturing Capabilities, Responding to COVID-19 and Opportunities Beyond.”

    She further stated her enthusiasm and relentless spirit of the Ghanaian entrepreneur, who against all odds, always finds a way to move forward in their business endeavours.

    She added the need for Ghanaians to support the sector considering their input on the economy adding that “this spirit that needs to be promoted and supported to help build a stronger and more resilient Ghanaian economy, post-COVID 19.”

    Read the full statement below.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ghanas coronavirus surge worries virologists

    Virologists are expressing worry at the recent surge in the cases of Covid-19 being recorded in the country.

    According to them, the country must intensify measures to stem the spread of the virus as there may be a “secondary” peak if claims by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) earlier that the country had passed its peak is anything to go by.

    Speaking on The Key Points on TV3/3FM on Saturday, June 27, two virologists and one immunologist admitted that the recent case count should be a source of worry for the country.

    Dr Michael Owusu, who works for the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine (KCCR), said previously out of 100 samples only two or three may be confirmed positive for coronavirus.

    But quite recently, out of the same number of samples, about 30 to 40 test positive, he said.

    This is even having an effect on the testing capacity, which is going down, he pointed out.

    Source: 3 News

  • Health Minister tests negative for coronavirus

    The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, is recovering from the Covid-19 infection which has kept him out of work for almost three weeks.

    According to the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, the Health Minister has tested negative for the infection and is set to get back to work shortly.

    “I am sure that this will be some sort of good news in addition to the over 10,000 recoveries,” he said during the Covid-19 press briefing in Accra.

    Mr. Agyeman-Manu tested positive for Covid-19 during a routine test at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) and was admitted for some days before being discharged for supportive homecare.

    The minister, who doubles as the Dormaa Central Member of Parliament (MP), was said to be “in stable condition.”

    President Akufo-Addo, in his Covid-19 address, confirmed the status of the health minister, saying he contracted the infection in the line of duty. Besides, he wished him speedy recovery while commiserating with the families that had lost members to Covid-19.

    Other top government officials have since tested positive for Covid-19, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Lydia Dsane Selby, and the CEO of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Daniel Asare; both are receiving treatment.

    Education Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh has also been admitted to the UGMC for symptoms similar to that of Covid-19 as he awaits his test results.

    New Cases

    A total of 361 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 were recorded according the GHS yesterday, bringing the total confirmed cases to 15,834.

    Active cases in Ghana as of yesterday were 3,976, with recoveries moving to 11,755.

    Besides, deaths have risen from 95 to 103, according to the GHS.

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • Ethiopian aged over 100 recovers from coronavirus

    The recovery from coronavirus of an Ethiopian man who is believed to be at least 100 years old was “incredible”, one of the doctors who treated him told the BBC.

    Aba Tilahun Woldemichael’s family says he is 114, which would make him the world’s oldest man, but there is no birth certificate to confirm his age.

    People over the age of 80 are considered to be among the most vulnerable if they catch the virus.

    The centenarian, who is an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian monk, is now being looked after at home by his grandson.

    “When I was in the hospital I was praying to God asking for my health. I was crying and praying for the whole country to be healthy again,” he told the BBC.

    Aba Tilahun tested positive for the virus when a random screening process took place in his neighbourhood in the capital, Addis Ababa, and was admitted to hospital before the symptoms showed, Dr Hiluf Abate told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

    This allowed the medical team to be pro-active with its treatment and closely monitor the old man, he added.

    Within four days of his admission to the severe coronavirus ward in Yeka Kotebe hospital, Aba Tilahun’s condition deteriorated as the virus took hold and he was put on oxygen, Dr Hiluf said.

    In all he spent 14 days at the hospital, and was treated with oxygen for more than a week.

    He also was given anti-biotics and the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone, which has been hailed as a ground-breaking treatment for hospital patients seriously ill with Covid-19.

    Ethiopia, which has strict coronavirus restrictions, has recorded more than 5,000 confirmed cases and 81 deaths.

    Tumultuous times

    Although the hospital cannot confirm that its patient is 114 years old, the medical team says that he is definitely older than 100 and estimates that he is 109.

    In his youth, he moved to Addis Ababa from southern Ethiopia when he was young and has lived through tumultuous times in his country.

    He witnessed the Italian occupation between 1935 and 1941, the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974, the collapse of the Marxist Derg regime in 1991 and now he has survived Covid-19.

    For years he has lived a simple life as a monk; “Aba” is a title meaning “Father”.

    But when he was younger he worked as an electrician, house painter and general handyman, his 24-year-old grandson Binyam Lulseged Tilahun told the BBC.

    His grandfather was doing well and looked healthy despite his age, however, the after-effects of the virus had weakened his voice, Mr Binyam added.

    In order to curb the spread of coronavirus, Ethiopia introduced a state of emergency in April that closed schools and playgrounds, banned large gatherings and sporting events, and reduced passenger numbers on public transport. But businesses have remained open.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Yemi Alade considers organising a free concert in Ghana after coronavirus

    Nigerian singer, Yemi Alade says she might organise a free concert in Ghana when the coronavirus pandemic is under control and all restrictions are lifted.

    In an interview with Jay Foley on Prime Morning, the singer talked about how she has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, she also discussed some of the plans that she is hoping to execute when the pandemic is over.

    Yemi Alade believes that the coronavirus pandemic would forever change the way a lot of things are done, even after it is gone.

    She went on to hint that organising a free concert in Ghana might be one of the projects she will undertake when the pandemic is over.

    “Once this quarantine is over and the pandemic is over, another level of energy will come from me. Normally I spend like 45 minutes working out, but now I spend like 2 hours to work out,” she said.

    She added: “This simply means something will surely happen after the pandemic. I might throw a free concert in Ghana.”

    Source: kuulpeeps.com

  • Ghanas coronavirus deaths pass 100

    Eight more coronavirus patients have been confirmed dead, according to new updates released by the Ghana Health Service.

    The latest update has catapulted the number of deaths to 103 from 95, the highest the country has recorded yet.

    Per the new update also, the country has recorded another major surge in the spread of the virus as 361 more persons have tested positive for the virus.

    Cumulatively, the number of recorded cases now stands at 15,834 from the previously recorded 15,473. This update comes barely 24 hours after the previous update.

    The number of recoveries and discharges are 11,755 as 324 more infected persons have either been discharged without a second test or declared corona-virus free.

    This pushes the number of active cases to 3,976 from 3947.

    Per the regional updates, Greater Accra Region continues to hold on to its lead having cross 9000 cases while Bono and North East Region have 4 each.


    Regional Breakdown

    Greater Accra Region – 9,070

    Ashanti Region – 3,161

    Western Region – 1,276

    Central Region – 799

    Eastern Region – 486

    Volta Region – 331

    Upper East Region – 271

    Oti Region – 108

    Northern Region – 100

    Western North Region – 94

    Bono East Region – 47

    Savannah Region – 38

    Upper West Region – 35

    Ahafo Region – 8

    North East Region – 4

    Bono Region – 4

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Freemasons donate equipment worth ₵280,000 to Noguchi for Covid-19 fight

    The District Grand lodge of Ghana has presented medical equipment comprising two specialized ultra-kow freezers and 1,000 PCR test kits to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

    The equipment valued at about ₵280,000 was presented by representatives of the District Grand Lodge of Ghana led by the District Grand Master, Isaac Owulaku Hood.

    In a short address, Right Worshipful Isaac Owulaku Hood explained the District Grand lodge is part of a worldwide body of Freemasons who operate under the United Grand Lodge of England, the Premier Grand lodge.

    The Ghana district was inaugurated 89 years ago and is made up of members from a cross section of the Ghanaian Society. The District he then explained boasts of the oldest lodge in the Country, Gold Coast Lodge, formed in 1863.

    The District Grand Master then said “seeing the threat that Covid-19 posed to our dear nation Ghana, Freemasons of the Ghana District set up an a charity fund, since one of the principal tenets of Freemasonry is Charity, specifically aimed at supporting the Institute which is at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19.”

    Director of the Institute, Prof Abraham Kwabena Annan expressed their gratitude to the District Grand lodge of Ghana explaining the PCR test kits will go a long way to boost testing for Covid-19 and critically needed Ultra-Low Freezers will be used to store biological samples.

    He further stated that the equipment would also help in storage of specimen which could be used for current and future research and aid in the development of vaccines.

    He also stated that given the generosity of the Freemasons, the NMIMR would be happy to share the donation with their sister research organizations, the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research (KCCR) as arrangements are on hand to deliver one ultra-low freezer to KCCR.

    In his closing remarks, the District Grand Master, Mr.Hood wished the institute well and expressed the hope that there would be another opportunity for the District Grand Lodge to be of assistance.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • No case of coronavirus at NOBISCO

    Some teachers at the Northern School of Business located in Tamale on Thursday dispelled social media posts that suggested that two students of the school had tested positive for COVID-19.

    The teachers, who did not want to be named, told the GNA in Tamale that all their final year students, who arrived at the school so far, had not shown any signs of the disease and none of them had also been tested for the disease. They, therefore, urged members of the public to disregard the social media posts, saying they were not true.

    There were social media posts on Wednesday, which suggested that two students of NOBISCO tested positive for COVID-19, a situation, which got some people alarmed.

    Meanwhile, as at Wednesday, June 24, the total COVID-19 case count of the region stood at 95 with 61 recoveries and six deaths.

     

    Source: GNA

  • NCCE urge citizens to adhere to coronavirus safety protocols

    The Sagnarigu Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has urged citizens in the municipality to adhere to all safety protocols against the spread of COVID-19.

    The organization stressed on the need for the citizenry to comply with all safety protocols and government’s directives against the virus, including the mandatory wearing of nose masks, and observing social distancing among others.

    The Directorate made the statement as part of it’s awareness creation campaign on COVID-19, it’s prevention and stigmatization. The activity was collaboration between the NCCE, Government and the Ghana COVID-19 Trust Fund.

    The Directorate carried out the campaign with series of activities targeting groups including artisans, transport operators, faith-based organizations, traditional authorities, women groups, youth groups among others.

    Mr Abdulai Soale, the Sagnarigu Municipal Director for the NCCE, who led the one month long activity with his staff, adcocated the need for citizens to practise good hygiene as well as comply with all COVID-19 safety protocols.

    He urged the citizenry to report to the hospital when they detect any symptoms of the virus as well as stop the stigmatization against people infected with the virus.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Smokers increase their risk of coronavirus complications – NACOC

    Mr Issahaque Bakuri, the Upper West Regional Head of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), has indicated that people who smoke substances such as marijuana increase their risk of suffering from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) complications.

    He said tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active ingredient in marijuana, for instance, had adverse effects on the lungs of people who smoked the substance and leads to coughing and breathing difficulties, which were also symptoms of the COVID-19.

    Mr Bakuri said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa on Thursday in relation to the World Drug Day.

    The United Nations (UN) had set aside June 26 every year as World Drug Day to create awareness of drug trafficking and the dire effects of drug abuse on the health and well-being of individuals, their communities and the nation at large.

    This year’s commemoration on the theme: “Better Knowledge for Better Care”, was geared towards enhancing understanding of the world drug problem and fostering greater international cooperation toward averting its impact on people’s health, governance and global security.

    Mr Bakuri said some people had the notion that smoking could help cure COVID-19 patients or protect one from contracting the virus, which he said was false.

    “There has not been any scientific research to prove that smoking marijuana could cure the virus. The fact is that smoking marijuana or any other drug affects the lungs and we are aware of how the virus also affects the lungs, so smoking marijuana will cause more health complications and put your life at risk in case you are infected with the virus” he explained.

    The NACOC Regional boss said people engaged in drug abuse due to the misinformation they received from their peers regarding these drugs.

    He said in the Upper West Region, for instance, the most abused drug was marijuana because it was produced locally, readily available and cheaper as compared to other substances such as cocaine and heroin, which were imported and expensive.

    Mr Bakuri explained that drug abuse could lead to a surge in criminal activities such as armed robbery as it was financially demanding for people who were addicted to such drugs to satisfy the continues urge to take them.

    He said drug addicts were also susceptible to be used to incite violence in society and by politicians to scare their political opponents, and said this was detrimental to national security.

    On the cultivation of cannabis in Ghana, Mr Bakuri said it was illegal and a criminal offence for any person or groups of persons to own, cultivate, grow or harvest any plant that could be used as a narcotic without lawful authority.

    “However, the Minister of Interior, on the recommendation of the Commission may grant a license for the cultivation of cannabis which has not more than 0.3 per cent THC content on a dry weight basis for industrial purposes of obtaining fibre or seed or for medicinal purposes and not for recreational use”, he added.

    He said as part of efforts to help reduce the menace of drug abuse, the Commission had embarked on public sensitisation drive in schools, communities and through the media on the effects of drug abuse.

    Mr Bakuri said getting the people to be well informed about the dangers of engaging in drug abuse could help them to stop, and urged those who were engaged in drug abuse to desist from the act as it was harmful to their lives.

    Source: GNA

  • Trainee nurse, pregnant woman reportedly test positive for coronavirus in Nalerigu

    A final year student of the Nalerigu Nurses and Midwifery College, as well as a pregnant woman, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Nalerigu in the North East Region.

    The student, according to health officials, returned to school recently from Cape Coast in the Central Region while the pregnant woman was said to have travelled to Nalerigu from Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.

    Both patients have been quarantined to undergo COVID-19 treatment.

    Municipal Health Director Mark Abugri who confirmed the cases contact tracing has commenced.

    North East Region has since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ghana recorded four positive cases with two recoveries.

    Regional Breakdown

    Greater Accra Region – 8,691

    Ashanti Region – 2,915

    Western Region – 1,213

    Central Region – 798

    Eastern Region – 407

    Volta Region – 321

    Upper East Region – 271

    Oti Region – 105

    Western North Region – 92

    Northern Region – 77

    Savannah Region – 38

    Bono East Region – 35

    Upper West Region – 35

    Ahafo Region – 8

    North East Region – 4

    Bono Region – 3

    Source: 3 News

  • Final year student dies in car crash on way back to school

    A motor vehicle accident on the Obogu-Banso road near Juaso in the Asante Akyem South District of the Ashanti Region has claimed the life of a female WASSCE candidate.

    Esther Nyamekye, 23, a student of Ofoase Senior High Technical School at Juaso, was killed in the accident at about 15:00 GMT on Tuesday, June 23.

    She was part of four occupants of a Chevrolet Matiz Taxi cab with registration number GR 5188 18 while returning to school to prepare for her exit exams —after spending nearly four months at home following a Covid-19 shutdown.

    Police said the suspect driver named as Evans Asare, 26, lost control of the vehicle on reaching a spot near the Banso Health Center.

    The vehicle reportedly veered off the road and summersaulted into a nearby bush, police said in a statement.

    The victims were rescued by locals who rushed to the scene minutes after the incident. They were rushed to the Juaso Government Hospital where Elizabeth Nyamekye, was pronounced dead on arrival.

    The suspect driver, a 13-year-old boy and a 43-year-old man named as Kofi Wiafe were also admitted at the same hospital after they sustained minor injuries, police said.

    The badly damaged vehicle had been towed from the accident scene by the police who told Dailymailgh.com that an investigation has commenced.

    Tributes are already pouring in from friends and sympathizers, especially students of Ofoase Senior High Technical School where the victim, until her death, was a school chaplain.

    Her body has since been deposited at the Stewards Mortuary at Yawkwei, near Konongo for preservation and autopsy, a statement from the police said.

    Source: Daily Mail

  • Don’t limit social distancing protocol to the lecture halls – UMaT VC

    Professor Jerry S. Y. Kuma, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa has cautioned students to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 protocols.

    This he mentioned as social distancing, the use of face masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

    He added that social distancing should not only be practised at the lecture halls, but also at the various halls of residence and walking with colleagues since some people may have the virus.

    He disclosed that the University had put in place stringent precautionary measures in place to ensure that no student was infected with COVID-19 after the completion of their studies and examinations during the period they would be on Campus.

    Mr Kuma who made the call in an interview to outline measures the University had put in place to protect the lives of students and staff with the Ghana News Agency at his office also appealed to the students to be alert at all times to avoid the disease on campus.

    On his part, the Registrar of UMaT, Mr. Matthew Okrah, touching on the safety protocols put in place said students would be required to wash their hands after their temperatures were taken before they would be allowed entry into the classroom and the library at all times, while persons found to have high temperatures would be referred to the UMaT Clinic immediately.

    He indicated that all lecturers and students shall wear their nose masks at all times, both in class and out of class while observing social distancing at all lecture rooms.

    According to the Registrar, the University campus would continue to remain closed to students who were not in their final year, while no student would be allowed to receive visitors on Campus.

    He further stated that the Security Unit would ensure that there were no mass gatherings on campus.

    He, therefore, assured students, parents, guardians and the public that the safety of all members of the University community would be prioritized and advised them to take the necessary precautionary measures outlined in the University notices and information on COVID-19.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: Ashanti records 205 new cases in 24 hours with 3 deaths

    The Ashanti Region on Wednesday recorded 205 new cases of the coronavirus and three mortalities as against 42 cases and no death the previous day.

    The Region also saw a significant increase in the number of contacts identified from 170 on Tuesday to 453 on Wednesday.

    According to the latest Regional COVID-19 update released by the Regional Health Directorate, 352 contacts of confirmed cases were contacted with 297 samples taken yesterday, June 24.

    The number of deaths which stood at 38 on Tuesday is now 41 while active cases have also moved from 1,001 to 1,165 despite 37 more recovering from the virus.

    The report which was made available to the Ghana News Agency, however, indicated that total admissions and cases in isolation remained 48 and 134 respectively.

    Also remaining unchanged is the number of districts that have recorded confirmed cases which is 39 out of 43 districts.

    The Ashanti Region currently has cumulative confirmed cases of 3,161 as well as 1,955 recoveries and second to only the Greater Accra Region which leads the national tally.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Esiama Community Nursing Training College strictly adheres to safety health protocols

    A tour by GhanaWeb to some schools in the Ellembele district, in the Western Region after the resumption of all final year students of public and private tertiary institutions, showed that schools are adhering to the safety protocols put in place by the government.

    A visit to the Esiama Community Nursing Training College showed that management of the school have put in place strict measures to prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 among students.

    During the visit, GhanaWeb’s correspondent observed that some Veronica buckets, liquid soaps, paper tissues, and alcohol-based hand sanitizers have been provided at all entry points in the college.

    It was also noticed that four trainees are occupying a room that formerly accommodated eight (8) trainees. At the lecture halls, trainees were seen nose masks and also observing social distancing protocols by a 1-meter interval.

    The college has set up an Isolation Centre by using one of their rooms to help respond swiftly to Coronavirus disease cases.

    Outlining the Coronavirus health safety protocols put in place to GhanaWeb, Mrs. Cecelia Andoh Boame, the Principal of the college, disclosed that before the president’s announcement of resuming the partial learning activities, the college had started preparation ahead.

    She explained that the college through its internal arrangement managed to buy five infrared thermometer guns to take the temperatures of the students and thirteen Veronica buckets.

    “We have bought 5 thermometer guns, we have 13 Veronica buckets plus liquid soaps, we have bought hand sanitizers, we have used our school clothing to sew nose masks and gave each trainee three, these nose masks are locally made.”

    The Principal said every morning they educate the trainees about the Coronavirus and how to observe personal hygiene and other protocols.

    “Every morning we educate them about the virus, what they should do, how to wash their hands, wearing of nose masks, and also to observe social distancing protocols”.

    She said the government has directed the college not to allow the trainees to go out indiscriminately and emphasized that any trainee who would flout this directive would be punished.

    “Government has directed us not to allow any student to go out and I have asked them to adhere to the directive but if anyone wants to go out should seek permission from me and if you use own power and flout this directive, the law will deal with you”.

    She concluded by saying, “We have told our learners that right now we are not in normal time so they can’t do their things on their own as it was done previously so have asked them to wear the nose mark always and ensure social distancing everywhere in the campus, washing of hands should be frequent”.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: GEDA engages Zoomlion to disinfect Opera Square

    The Ghana Electrical Dealers Association (GEDA) on Wednesday engaged Zoomlion Ghana Limited (ZGL) to disinfect its business space at Opera Square, Accra, also known as Cowlane.

    The exercise, which started around 7:00 a.m., saw ZGL deploy one of its boom atomisers together with a disinfection crew with knapsack spraying machines to disinfect the area.

    The crew disinfected the two lorry terminals at the Opera Square area, open spaces along the Old AMA traffic light, Judicial Service, the Ghana Post Office, and the Rawlings Park areas, and the Cowlane Central Mosque. Also disinfected were about 400 shops and stores at Opera Square.

    Speaking to a cross-section of journalists after the exercise, the 2nd Vice-Chair, GEDA, Hajia Munia Buari, lamented that the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has not only slowed down their business but dealt a devastating blow to them.

    “Honestly, business has been very slow because a lot more people now do not come to trade with us due to Covid-19,” she bemoaned.

    In addition, Hajia Buari said members of GEDA had also not been able to import electrical materials from China because of travel restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 disease.

    That, coupled with the low patronage of their business, has dealt a severe blow to GEDA members, she stressed.

    She explained that GEDA engaged Zoomlion to undertake the exercise to protect their members and also keep their customers who come there to trade with them safe from the pandemic.

    “And even before the announcement of the partial lockdown in some parts of the country, GEDA had ensured that all its members religiously implemented the Covid-19 preventive protocols. All shops/stores under our umbrella association were to have Veronica buckets together with liquid soaps and alcohol-based sanitisers to be used by them and their customers. And, I must confess that our members have fully complied with these protocols,” she said.

    The 2nd vice-chair of GEDA, however, indicated that effective Thursday, June 25, the association will enforce the wearing of nose masks.

    “In fact, any of our members who fails to comply with this directive would not be allowed to trade in the area!” she cautioned.

    She disclosed that the association had also put in a request for Covid-19 stimulus package for its members.

    “And if this package is made available to us, we believe it will cushion members of GEDA from the harsh brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic on our business,” Hajia Buari expressed.

    In a brief remark, the General Manager, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Greater Accra Region, Mr Ernest Morgan Acquah, explained that the essence of the exercise was to keep the Opera Square which is the trading hub of GEDA members safe and clean from the attack of the Covid-19 disease.

    However, he contended that the disinfection was only one of the measures in the war against Covid-19.

    Against this backdrop, he entreated members of GEDA to unfailingly observe the other Covid-19 safety protocols which included regular washing of hands under a running water, practising social/physical distancing and using alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

    The adherence of these protocols together with the disinfection will help protect GEDA members and its customers from the virus attack, he advised.

     

    Source: thebusiness24online.net

  • 17 nurses, doctors quarantined after woman dies of coronavirus at Atibie

    A woman has died from Coronavirus in Atibie Government Hospital in Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region.

    The deceased, from Nkawkaw, went to the Atibie Hospital to seek healthcare since most health facilities in Nkawkaw are full following admission of over 100 Coronavirus patients.

    While on admission, the woman reportedly started showing symptoms of Covid-19. Her samples were subsequently taken for testing but she reportedly passed on before the results were released.

    At an emergency health Committee meeting on Wednesday, the District Health Directorate announced that 17 health workers including doctors and nurses at Atibie Government Hospital have been quarantined with their samples taken for testing.

    Also, the Female Ward at the facility has been temporarily closed down for fumigation.

    Contact tracing has commenced in the community and the house where the woman lived.

    This is the first confirmed case recorded in Kwahu South District though its neighbouring Kwahu West has recorded 105 cases as of Wednesday.

    Eastern Region recorded its highest cases of Coronavirus in a single day on June 23, 2020. A total of forty-five (45) new confirmed cases of the were recorded in four (4) Municipalities increasing the regional case count to 452.

    Twenty-One (21) new cases were recorded in Lower Manya Krobo while eight were recorded in Asuogyaman Kwahu West. Okere recorded 15 and 1 confirmed cases respectively.

     

    Total fatalities recorded in the region are 7.

    Out of the 452 persons tested positive for Coronavirus, 153 are health workers.

    Breakdown of the confirmed Covid-19 case for the region are:

    Lower Manya Krobo -104 (72 discharged)
    Kwahu West -102 cases (24 discharged)
    New Juaben South -46 (37 discharged)
    Birim North -43 (5 discharged )
    Nsawam Adoagyiri -23 (7 discharged)
    Akuapem North -22 (16 discharged )
    Asuogyaman 21(13 discharged)
    West Akim -19 (5 discharged)
    Denkyembuor -18(15 discharged)
    Birim Central -13 (5 discharged)
    New Juaben North -9 (1discahrged )
    Abuakwa North -8(4 discharged)
    Fanteakwa North -6 (all discharged)
    Birim South -4 (1 discharged)
    Suhum -3 (all discharged)
    Kwaebibirem -3 (2 discharged)
    Achiase -2 (all discharged)
    Upper Manya Krobo -2(all discharged)
    Akuapem South -1 (discharged)
    Ayensuano -1 (still on admission )
    Yilo Krobo -1 (still on admission)
    Okere -1 (discharged)

    Meaning out of the 452 confirmed cases, 222 have been discharged.

    Ghana recorded 445 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, June 24, 2020.This pushes the total national tally to 15,013.

    The number of recoveries now stands at 11,078 while death toll at 95.

     

    Source: Starr FM

  • My thoughts and prayers are with you – Sam George to NAPO, Kweku Botwe

    Hon Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ningo-Prampram Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, has sent a solidarity message to Education Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh and Minister of Regional Reorganization and Development, Mr. Daniel Kweku Botwe.

    This was after the two Ministers were reported to be on admission at the University of Ghana (UG) Medical Centre in the capital, Accra.

    According to sources available to Joy News, Daniel Kweku Botwe and Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh are currently being held at the ‘Red Zone’, a unit where only persons with COVID-19 positive cases are kept.

    The sources could not tell whether they have tested positive for Covid-19 but reiterated that the two gentlemen are on admission where only persons with full Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) can go.

    Mr Botwe is said to have reported at the Hospital last Saturday, but there are conflicting reports about when Mr Opoku Prempeh went there.

    Some sources said he went there on Sunday to self-isolate after being suspected of contracting the virus, while others say he reported on Monday.

    The Education Minister is said to have gone back to the Centre after taking a voluntary test at the same facility and decided to self-isolate.

    However, in a post on Facebook to strengthen the officeholders, the opposition MP, Sam George, as he is affectionately called, said, he was with them in prayers.

    “My thoughts and prayers are with my senior colleagues”, he wrote.

    Sam Goerge also touched on the reality of the coronavirus, thereby cautioning Ghanaians to stay safe.

    “COVID-19 is real guys. Let’s #staysafe please”, he cautioned.

     

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Ghanas coronavirus case count hits 15,013

    The number of coronavirus cases recorded in the country has once again shot up from 14,568 on June 23, 2020, to 15,013 after barely 24 hours.

    Per the new updates by the Ghana Health Service, the number of recoveries and discharges have also seen a boost as 605 infected persons have either been declared coronavirus-free or been discharged without a second negative test; moving the numbers from 10,907 to 11,078.

    This means the number of active cases stands at 3,840 indicating another leap from previously recorded 3,566.

    However, no new deaths have been recorded in this update.

    With regards to the regional breakdown, Greater Accra continues to maintain its lead with as many as, 8,691 whereas Bono Region trails the chart with only 3 cases.

    Regional Breakdown

    Greater Accra Region – 8,691

    Ashanti Region – 2,915

    Western Region – 1,213

    Central Region – 798

    Eastern Region – 407

    Volta Region – 321

    Upper East Region – 271

    Oti Region – 105

    Western North Region – 92

    Northern Region – 77

    Savannah Region – 38

    Bono East Region – 35

    Upper West Region – 35

    Ahafo Region – 8

    North East Region – 4

    Bono Region – 3

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Confirmed cases in Ashanti now 2,957 with no new death

    The Ashanti Region has not recorded any COVID-19 related death for almost one week despite an increase in confirmed cases within the period.

    Mortality rate of the deadly disease in the Region still remains 38 since the Regional Health Directorate updated the media on June 17, but 554 new cases had been recorded as at 1900 hours on Tuesday.

    According to an updated report issued by the Directorate this morning, 42 new confirmed cases were recorded yesterday bringing the total caseload to 2,957.

    The report, which was signed by Dr. Emmanuel Tinkorang, the Regional Director of Health Services and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, said 39 out of 43 districts in the Region had so far recorded cases.

    It said 1,918 people had cumulatively recovered and discharged, leaving 1,001 active cases. A total of 48 cases, according to the report, were currently on admission at treatment centres, while 134 were also in isolation centres.

    The report also indicated that contact tracers reached 79 contacts of confirmed cases on Tuesday, while 56 suspected cases were also identified.

    Meanwhile, a total of 57,368 samples have been taken by the health authorities since the Region recorded its first case of COVID-19 through routine surveillance, community screening, follow-up test and contacts of confirmed case.

    Source: GNA

  • COVID 19: Tobinco produces hydroxychloroquine locally

    Entrance Pharmaceuticals and Research Centre, the manufacturing subsidiary of Tobinco Group of companies has locally produced hydroxychloroquine, a drug for managing coronavirus cases.

    This is in fulfillment of a promise made by the Chairman of the Group, Nana Amo Tobbin I to produce the drug locally to help manage covid-19 cases in Ghana.

    The Group has therefore presented 1,000 courses of Hydroxychloroquine worth over GH¢ 100,000 and 18,000 bottles of Foligrow to the Ministry of Health to support the government in the fight against COVID-19 in Ghana.

    Hydroxychloroquine has been endorsed by WHO for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

    Receiving the donation, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye commended Nana Amo Tobbin I and the Entrance Pharmaceuticals and Research Centre for the gesture.

    He noted that for the government to succeed in the fight against COVID-19, it would need the partnership of the private sectors, such as the Tobinco Group, expressing the hope that the partnership would last.

    It would be recalled that the EXIMBANK Ghana, about a month ago, made a commitment to advance a credit facility to Entrance Pharmaceuticals and Research Centre to produce hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin locally for the management of COVID-19 cases.

    Mr Kwadwo Asare Twerefour, MD for Entrance Pharmaceuticals and Research Centre, presenting the drugs to Dr Okoe Boye, Deputy Health Minister

    Dr Okoe Boye, gave an assurance that the Ministry would ensure that the process of securing funding from EXIMBANK to commence the production of the drugs on a large scale was expedited.

    In an interview with journalists after the presentation, Nana Amo Tobbin 1 reiterated that before the partnership, the company had decided to produce hydroxychloroquine and other drugs to support the government in the fight against covid-19.

    He also made it known that due to the scarcity of the drug, some African countries had already contacted the company to produce the drug for them.

    However, he stated that the company was looking up to the funding as promised by the government to enable the company produce more for local consumption, before it could supply the other countries with the drug.
    Nana Amo Tobbin 1 cautioned that the hydroxychloroquine should only be taken under a doctor’s prescription and not for counter sales.

    Mr Kwadwo Asare Twerefour, MD for Entrance Pharmaceuticals and Research Centre, thanked the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for ensuring the drugs went through all the needed processes in due time.

    He said the company is still researching and would produce the rest of the drugs that were needed to fight the disease.

    He expressed the hope that the money promised by EXIM Bank would materialise in due time so that the company could produce more of the drugs to supply the local and the international markets.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Ghana’s Presidential advisor on health calls for the truncation of the 2019/20 season

    The Presidential advisor on Health Dr. Nsiah Asare has joined the calls for the 2019/20 Ghana football season to be truncated amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

    Football activities have been suspended in the West African country since March due to the Coronavirus outbreak with over 14,000 cases recorded.

    The restart of football activities in the country amid the pandemic is in limbo as the government is yet to ease its restriction on the non-contact sport.

    Dr. Nsiah Asare who advises the president on the Coronavirus pandemic status in the country shared his thought on football amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

    “I would have personally wished the football season is truncated”, he told Kumasi-based radio station Fox FM.

    “It will be fair to end this season (2019/20) and begin a new season if only the Ghana Football Association will agree to it”, he added.

    The Ghana Football Association is engaging its stakeholders on the future of the current season and has announced it will make a decision on July 30.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Covid-19: Accra Technical University’s academic department shut down

    Management of the Accra Technical University has shut down the academic department of the school after a national service personnel tested positive to Covid-19.

    The first case of the disease on the campus of the university came a week after final-year tertiary students returned to school after months of closure.

    In an interview with Accra based radio station Starr FM, the Public Relations Officer of the school, Faustina Nana Kwadua said the staff of the academic department have been quarantined and the block fumigated.

    She therefore assured that there was no cause for alarm since samples had been taken from the eight persons who came into contact with the Covid-19 victim.

    “The number of people that had closed contact with her were counselled and re-assured. Their samples were taken so currently we are waiting for results. We are talking about eight people. At the moment we have to wait to get the results of the other people.”

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • FULL LIST: Government officials donate GH₵637,000 to COVID Fund in April

    Over 81 government officials including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia donated GH₵637,998.77 to the COVID-19 National Trust Fund for the month of April 2020.

    The list published in the June 23 edition of the Daily Graphic provided the total amount donated by the President, Vice President, Ministers of State, Chief of Staff, Two Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Secretary to the President, Secretary to the cabinet, Deputy Ministers, Presidential staffers and Presidential aides.

    The donation was in fulfilment of a pledge to donate 50% of their April, May and June Salaries to the COVID-19 National Trust Fund.

    On the list of donors include Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the Senior Minister, Mr Yaw Osafo-Marfo, the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante (Esq) and the two Deputy Chief of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye and Samuel Abdullai Jinapour.

    Also on the list are 23 Ministers (Non-MPs), 19 Deputy Ministers (Non-MPs) and 31 Presidential staffers.

    Background

    It will be recalled that in March 2020, President Akufo-Addo announced the establishment of the COVID-19 National Trust Fund to receive contributions and donations to assist those who will be greatly affected by the new coronavirus disease.

    The President also pledged his salary for the next three months April, May and June as his contribution to the fund.

    His charitable gesture was followed by similar pledges by Vice President Bawumia and some Presidential appointees.

    Trust Fund Board

    The Board of Trustees of the fund which receives contributions and donations from the public to assist in the welfare of the vulnerable is chaired by former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo.

    The other members of the Board are Archbishop Justice Ofei Akrofi, Mr Jude Kofi Bucknor, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, Mrs Elsie Addo-Awadzie, Dr Ernest Ofori-Sarpong and Dr Tanko. Mr Collins Asare will act as Secretary to the Board.

    See the entire list below;

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • ADASEC reopens with 31 students

    Only 31 students, made up of 15 boys and 16 girls out of 206 final year students of Adaklu Senior High School at Adaklu Waya reported when schools reopened on Monday, June 22.

    Mr. Batholomew Kudzo Hosu, Headmaster of the School told the Ghana News Agency in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

    He said management of the School was leaving no stone unturned for the safety of the students and appealed to parents to encourage wards to report at the School for classes to resume.

    The Headmaster said temperatures of all students who arrived were taken before they were provided with face masks and sanitizers.

    Mr. Hosu said management had decided to reduce each class size to 25 to ensure social distancing, adding that the School had no problem with classrooms.

    He said teachers teaching lower classes had been mobilised to assist in teaching the finalists.

    The Headmaster warned that management of the School would not entertain visitors, and urged the students to obey all rules and regulations of the School and also observe directives on the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Mr. Hosu was hopeful that all the students would return to school before the week ended for classes to resume.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: Two Mawuko Girls SHS students isolated

    Two students at the Mawuko Girls School in Ho have reportedly been isolated by school authorities over fears they have contracted coronavirus.

    Sources at the school told Starr News the Covid-19 response team in the region was called in to assist in isolating the students.

    Meanwhile, Ho Central MP Benjamin Komla Kpodo has lamented over the unavailability of PPE for schools in the region.

    On a tour of all seven public schools within the Municipality, the MP noted that no PPE has been received from government so far. A situation he describes as alarming.

    He urged students to be very critical of their own safety.

    The made donation of Veronica buckets, hand sanitizers and locally manufactured nose masks to be distributed to the students in all seven schools which include Mawuli Senior High School, Mawuko and Ola Girls, Taviefe Senior High School, Sokode Sec. Tech, Shia Senior High School and the Tanyigbe Senior High School.

     

    Source: Starr FM

  • No coronavirus case at Odorgonno SHS Headmaster

    Headmaster of Odorgonno Senior High School, Samuel Mensah has dismissed reports that some six returning students have contracted Coronavirus and are in isolation.

    He told our reporter Grace Hammoah Asare on Wednesday that four of the returning students indeed recorded high temperatures and were placed in isolation for further checks.

    The checks conducted by nurses from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) showed that they “are okay”.

    However, two of the students, he said, continued to record high temperatures and remained in isolation until Tuesday, when they were declared fit by the nurses.

    He admitted, however, that tests were not conducted on these students as “the school has no means of testing,” stating, nonetheless, that more than 1,000 students underwent screening when they arrived on Monday.

    He explained that the two may have suffered from fatigue as they came from afar.

     

    Source: 3 News

  • Coronavirus: Court allows telcos to share subscriber data to government

    An Accra High court has ruled to allow the Ghanaian units of Vodafone and MTN to share subscriber data with government to help it track down the contacts of coronavirus cases.

    This follows initial claims that the two giant telcos were already sharing subscriber data to government without a court permission.

    According to Bloomberg, the presiding Judge on the case, Justice Stephen Oppong, in his ruling on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 said; “It would go against citizens and overall wellbeing for the court to stop telecommunications providers from sharing data with authorities amid a pandemic.”

    “The purpose of the collection of the data is for the protection of the whole state of Ghana. Even the applicant benefits from that effort” Justice Oppong added.

    Meanwhile, the move by the telcos drew the attention of some private citizens who had filed an injunction order asking the telcos to suspend data-sharing with the government after they called it a breach in domestic and international privacy laws.

    But the National Communications Authority (NCA) in a statement issued on June 19, 2020 denied that claims of any consumer privacy breaches by the telcos were false and misleading.

    “In March, 2020, the NCA requested “passive mobile positioning data logs” from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). This allows the NCA to gather location information to assist the Ghana Health Service to map Covid19 hotspots by undertaking historical and current analysis of persons potentially infected with COVID-19 for contact tracing purposes. It is “passive” and “historical” because it is not live real-time tracking,” the NCA explained.

    “This is in accordance with the Establishment of Emergency Communications Systems Instrument, 2020 (E.I. 63). The Instrument required network operators or service providers to cooperate with the NCA Common Platform to provide information to State agencies in the event of a public health emergency,” it added.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • The devil has made people think churches are distributing COVID-19 – Bishop Agyinasare

    Popular Ghanaian televangelist Bishop Charles Agyinasare has questioned the motivation behind Christians staying away from churches but carrying-on with other economic and political activities in blatant disregard for Coronavirus prevention measures.

    According to founder and general overseer of the Perez Chapel International, it is amazing how people can go about their normal activities without fear of contracting the virus until the issue of worshipping God in a church where social distancing is being observed comes up.

    “Is it not amazing to you that people are okay to go and vote in primaries? They are not afraid that they will get coronavirus. They are okay to go to the market and not afraid to get coronavirus,” Bishop Agyinasare said in a video shared on his verified Facebook Page.

    He continued: “They are okay to sit in trotro, they are okay to sit in a taxi and go everywhere. But when it comes to church it is like at the gate of the church we are distributing coronavirus. That is what the devil has made people to think.”

    He warned churches that had halted church services entirely that their churches would collapse by the time the Coronavirus is eradicated.

    He urged Christians to fight against COVID-19 restrictions that affect the church with prayers and fasting.

    Bishop Agyinasare found it curious that government officials who were Christians found it easier to reopen markets for normal operations rather than reopening churches.

    Watch the video below;

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Worker on Pokuase Interchange project tests positive for COVID-19

    A worker on the Pokuase Interchange project, said to be a Chinese national, has tested positive for COVID-19.

    The infected person is in isolation at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital receiving treatment, according to Citi News sources.

    The management of the African Development Bank-funded project held a meeting on Tuesday to convey the news to other workers, which include many Ghanaians who work on different phases of the project.

    The Ghanaians workers on the project are worried about the development.

    A similar situation occurred on a railway construction project in the Eastern Region.

    The first case of COVID-19 in the Eastern Region was reported in March on an AFCON construction limited camp in the Lower Manya Krobo district.

    More than 240 people had been quarantined in the camp at the time.

    In that case, at least 22 Indians, who were part of the construction project, were infected with the virus.

    AFCON construction limited is a construction company with ties to an Indian business conglomerate.

    Ghana currently has 14,568 confirmed cases of the virus in the country.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Liberian Minister flown to Ghana for coronavirus treatment

    Professor Ansu D. Sonii Sr., the Education Minister of Liberia who has tested positive for COVID-19, has been flown into Accra for treatment.

    The 70-year-old minister was flown in over the weekend after his condition deteriorated.

    In a Joy News report, the minister was said to be in a stable condition and responding to treatment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

    The novel Coronavirus pandemic has already spread to 215 countries and over 9,341,970 have been infected as of Tuesday. The disease is caused by SARS-CoV-2 that was detected in humans in December.

    In Liberia, the figures released by the Ministry of Health on June 23, 2020, showed a total of 652 confirmed cases, which marks an increase of 2 new cases compared to the previous day.

    In the last 24 hours, no deaths were reported and the number of fatalities remains at 34.

    It has been reported that 270 people have recovered in that country.

    Liberia ranks 146 in countries with reported COVID-19 cases, one of the lowest in the world.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ghana’s Samuel Owusu to undergo coronavirus test

    Al-Fayha winger Samuel Owusu will undergo a medical test on Wednesday ahead of a return of the Saudi Pro League.

    The 24-year-old is among the players who will undergo the routine exercise on Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares to resume full-scale training after the Coronavirus shutdown.

    The players will be tested for the virus as part of their medical obligations.

    Saudi Arabia Pro League teams have bee granted permission to resume training after authorities eased restrictions prohibiting outdoor exercise.

    Al-Fayha is planning to carry out appropriate testing to “to guarantee the players’ health”.

    Football in the gulf has been suspended indefinitely since March due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but they hope to resume the season.

    Al-Fayha has stepped up preparations for football’s return.

    The club has been keeping players, coaching staff as well as youth team players and auxiliary staff up to date about the latest developments.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Accra Technical University confirms first COVID-19 case

    The patient, a National Service Personnel with the academic department, is said to have tested positive for the disease on Sunday, June 21, after showing symptoms of fever, headache and runny nose.

    A press statement dated Tuesday, June 23 and signed by the Acting Director of Public Relations, said six colleagues who came into contact with the affected person have had their samples taken for testing.

    “The personnel reported to a medical facility in her neighbourhood after experiencing symptoms of fever, headache and runny nose. After Covid-19 tests were conducted, the result was communicated to the service personnel on Sunday, 21st June 2020.

    “The said person is currently in isolation at a medical facility and responding well to treatment. Six colleagues who came into contact with the confirmed Covid-19 patient, have been counselled, re-assured and their samples taken for laboratory testing,” the statement said.

    It added that the contacts have been asked to self-isolate while waiting for the results of their tests.

    “The University Medical team and the Safety and Health Committee are however in touch with the patient and contacts, to provide the needed medical and psychological support,” the statement added.

    The statement also noted that the offices of the affected department and its environs would be fumigated while contact tracing continues.

    “Members of the University Community are entreated to remain calm while adhering strictly to the published personal protection etiquettes,” the statement said.

    Tertiary institutions reopen

    Tertiary institutions across the country reopened to final year students on June 15 for academic work to begin and end on July 24.

    Prior to that, a disinfection exercise was carried out on all campuses under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Zoomlion Ghana Ltd.

    The Minister of Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, said it the disinfection exercise followed a directive passed down from the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for all tertiary and second-cycle institutions to be fumigated and disinfected before the final-year students returned to prepare and complete their exit examinations.

    Ghana case count

    As at Tuesday, June 23, Ghana had confirmed 14,568 cases of the COVID-19 disease, with a death toll of 95.
    The total number of recoveries/discharged stood at 10,907.

    The current active case in Ghana now stands at 3,566.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Novak Djokovic tests positive for coronavirus

    World number one Novak Djokovic has become the latest tennis player to test positive for Covid-19.

    It comes after Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all revealed they had coronavirus after playing at Djokovic’s Adria Tour competition.

    Djokovic, 33, played fellow Serb Troicki in the first event in Belgrade.

    Great Britain’s Andy Murray said the positive tests were a “lesson for us”, while Australian Nick Kyrgios called playing a “bone-headed decision”.

    There have been no ATP Tour events since February because of the global pandemic and the Adria Tour, which is not an ATP Tour event, was one of the first competitions to be staged since then.

    The first leg in Serbia attracted 4,000 fans, and players were later pictured dancing close together in a Belgrade nightclub.

    Bulgaria’s Dimitrov played Croatia’s Coric on Saturday in the second leg in Zadar, Croatia.

    With Croatia easing lockdown measures, players were not obliged to observe social distancing rules and were seen embracing at the net at the end of their matches.

    Pictures on the tournament’s social media site from Friday showed Dimitrov playing basketball with Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Marin Cilic, while he also put his arm around Coric before their match.

    Zverev, Cilic and Andrey Rublev, who also played, have tested negative, but suggested they will all now self-isolate for up to 14 days.

    Disclaimer : “Opinions expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not in any way reflect those of backend.theindependentghana.com. Our outfit will hereby not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article.”

    Source: bbc.com