Covid 19 - Ghana's 8th State of Nation Address

Its been a week since the lock down protocols ensure by the government of Ghana was lifted due to the Government not realizing the impact of the lock down on the increasing escalation of the Covid 19 infection. The lock down measures was to ensure little or no movement among the Ghanaians living in the hot zone areas where the virus has been identified in many people. It was to contain the spread which proved futile as many other regions without the lock down were also generating new cases. After this announcement was made by the president, many people have the believe that things are taking a curve for the better. I have a different view from that. I think, the infection is rather overwhelming the Government as it looks at a new avenue to approach the matters.

Image From Ministry Of Information Page

The President addressed the nation ones again Yesterday, 26th April 2020. With latest update of
100632 test conducted on suspected people, 1550 are infected. 115 people have recovered and have been discharged but are still under general surveillance. Also there is with 11 case fatalities due to an already diagnosed underlying disease. The death of these individuals are said to be as a result of comorbidity. In simple terms, comorbidity refers to the presence of more than one disorder in the same person.

The president addressed the nation that, we are to continue and abide by the ban on all public gatherings for another two weeks after which we will assess the situation on ground. Schools are as such not reopening now. There is development underway to establish 6 new regional hospitals and renovate and upgrade our existing health centers to further combat infections of this nature. With the recent break in CSM(Meningitis) in the Northern sector, it is impudent and wise for us to have such centers well equipped to handle infectious cases.

Ghana Health Service

With the Table above and statistical data, it is so obvious that the government doing its best to combat the infection. But it lies not in only their hands. The virus is spread from one person to the other. The best way to combat it is to not move at all. This on the other hand is not practical and as such the experts advises that we should abide by the following measures to ensure that we all come out alive.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

NB: Wearing of nose mask is now mandatory.

• Please Stay at home and observe social distancing; Avoid handshaking
• Wash your hands often with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, dispose the tissue in a closed bin, and then wash your hands with soap and running water.
• Wear a mask anytime you go out or when you are with other persons.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth,
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces such as remote controls and doorknobs.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick. Call your doctor if you develop fever, cough, or difficulty breathing**

Tj4real in his nose mask.

Even with closed boarders, there has been news on people entering the country from various West African countries. Most of these persons are infected with Covid 19 without even their notice and it has been confirmed that; some citizens aid them to enter the country. It is therefore disastrous and the government stands to stop all these unpatriotic acts. Lets help ourselves fight this battle. During the above mentioned lock down, a cargo car smuggled people to the Oti region. And 17 cases were isolated from the intercession. Imagine the damage these 17 people can do if they had gained access to the Region.

Aside the already given measures in combating Covid 19, what do you suggest Ghana should do to improve on handling the situation.