Coronavirus patients have been in Ghana for about a week – Information Minister

The Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has disclosed that the two persons who tested positive for coronavirus in Ghana have been in the country for about week.

“One is a Ghanaian and the other is a foreigner. The Ghanaian is based abroad who came to visit and the foreigner has the permit to reside in the jurisdiction and we are informed that they have been in town for about a week.”

Yesterday, March 12, 2020, the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu at an emergency press briefing confirmed that Ghana has recorded two cases of the novel virus.

The two cases according to the Health Minister, tested positive after laboratory tests from the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research.

According to the Health Minister, the cases were reported as ‘imported cases’ as both individuals returned to Ghana from Norway and Turkey.

“Both individuals returned to Ghana from Norway and Turkey. So these are imported cases of COVID-19.”

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah in an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show also disclosed that the other patient from Turkey is a Ghanaian.

Government provides $100 enhance coronavirus preparedness

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday directed the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, to make available the cedi equivalent of $100 million to enhance Ghana’s Coronavirus preparedness and response plan.

The president during a national address explained that with the declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO) of the Coronavirus disease as “a pandemic”, it is important that Ghana steps up her preparedness to ensure that, beyond the initial measures that have been put in place, a ‘whole of Ghana’ approach is adopted in preparation for a possible hit within the country’s borders.

The President further said, “I have…ordered a suspension of all international travels by public officials. Except for critical assignments, which will have to be authorised by the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, all public officials are to remain within the jurisdiction, until further notice. Video conferencing facilities and other technological tools are to be utilised, whenever possible, for international engagements.”

How to protect yourself

To prevent the spread, the standard recommendations coming from the WHO is regular hand washing, covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.

We are also advised to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

citinewsroom.com