Whilst some civil and public servants were waiting patiently to hear the President announcing that they could work from home, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, rather advised that businesses should operate but should observe prescribed social distancing between patrons and staff.
According to the President, social distancing and good personal hygiene will prevent community spread of the coronavirus amongst Ghanaians.
The President made this known during his live televised address to the nation on measures his government has taken to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
President Akufo-Addo also indicated that “establishments, such as supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, night clubs, hotels and drinking spots, should observe enhanced hygiene procedures by providing, amongst others, hand sanitizers, running water and soap for washing of hands.”
He, however, charged the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to co-ordinate, with the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, to put adequate measures in place to enhance conditions of hygiene in markets across the country.
President Akufo-Addo assured Ghanaians that his government will do its best “to prevent the spread of the virus, and protect the population. All the measures that have been announced will be subject to constant review and enhancement, if necessary.”
Coronavirus cases in Ghana
Ghana has so far confirmed six cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Director of Public Health of Ghana Health Service, Dr Badu Sarkodie who provided updates on the country’s cases on Sunday said all the cases were imported into the country.
The first two cases were confirmed on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
Two other cases were confirmed on Friday, March 13, 2020, while an additional two were confirmed on Saturday, March 14, 2020.
Five of the cases were confirmed in the Greater Accra Region while the remaining one was confirmed in the Ashanti Region.
Health officials have been working to trace persons who have come into contact with the patients and may be at risk of contracting the virus.
Watch the President's address below.
