The Director General of the Ghana Health Service(GHS), Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, has expressed concerns regarding a possible spike in COVID-19 cases as the Easter festivities near.
Dr. Kuma Aboagye stated that, as the Easter celebration approaches, his outfit has not ruled out the possibility of the virus resurfacing following the ease in restriction by the President, including the initial mandatory wearing of nose mask after a reduction in the number of cases. He indicated that the celebration will be characterized by mass gathering hence, the concern.
“Anything is possible and that is why we are telling people that they should, as long as there is a gathering that gives the opportunity for more people to meet and people to get careless, to be cautious. We can’t have it [a surge in cases], so we are asking everybody to be on their guard.”
Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye
The GHS Director General in his quest to conscientize Ghanaians on the need to still ensure safety, cautioned citizens that although the restrictions have been removed, they must still take the necessary steps to protect themselves. He urged the citizens to be on the look out as they celebrate.
“What we are saying is that it [mask] is not mandatory, we did not say don’t wear it. Let’s encourage as many people to wear their mask especially when they are in an enclosed area. We must ensure that we continue to wash our hands just like we have been doing.”
Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye
The Health Director noted how some of these hygienic practices are not only for the prevention of COVID-19 but to also protect one from other diseases. Emphasizing on the importance of hand washing, he averred it is a good hygiene practice which will protect individuals from not only dirt but other infections as well.
Don’t abandon COVID protocols
Dr. Kuma Aboagye encouraged people not to abandon the other COVID-19 protocols but rather adhere to them to ensure they are protected. He then admonished unvaccinated citizens to ensure they get vaccinated to reduce the rate of being infected by the virus.
“Now, like I said, take your own life in your hands and most importantly, have an internal protection with the vaccination. So that, even if you come across the virus, because you are vaccinated, your chances of getting it is limited. Even the chances of getting sick when you get the vaccination is also reduced.”
Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye
In other development on vaccination, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a new funding of US$24.7 million to Ghana to support vaccination efforts nationwide as part of the Initiative for Global Vaccine Access.
The funding, provided through USAID will accelerate the delivery of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccinations in every part of Ghana.
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