President Akufo-Addo has stated that the analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic reveals that the spread of the virus mostly occurs in indoor, confined spaces with poor ventilation, where people are talking, singing, or shouting without their masks.
Against this backdrop, the imposition of restrictions on our daily routines helped in reducing the prevalence of the pandemic in the country, and Government has been left with no option but to re-introduce some of these restrictions in order to help save the situation.
The President in his update number 23 on measures taken against the spread of COVID-19 said, “I know these measures, in the recent past, were unpleasant, but, over a period, they resulted in a favourable situation for our country. We have to return to them.”
He divulged that until further notice, funerals, weddings, concerts, theatrical performances, and parties were banned while private burials with no more than twenty-five (25) people, could take place amidst the enforcement of the social distancing, hygiene and mask wearing protocols.
President Akufo-Addo further stressed that beaches, night clubs, cinemas, and pubs continue to be shut as borders by land and sea remain closed.
However, he entreated leaders of religious organisations such as churches and mosques to enforce to the letter, the protocols relating to attendance, like the two-hour duration, one-metre social distancing, mask wearing, use of sanitizers, and the presence of Veronica buckets, liquid soap, and rolls of tissue paper.
He admonished that all workplaces, public and private must employ a shift-system for workers, in addition to the use of virtual platforms for business or work while conferences and workshops should take place with all the appropriate protocols.
He added that restaurants should provide take-away services, and should, as much as possible, avoid seated services.
He also called on the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to ensure compliance with the twenty-five percent (25%) capacity rule in our stadia, with spectators respecting the social distancing rule and wearing of masks.
Prez Akufo-Addo opined that Government will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and will remain resolved in ensuring that we are able to return to normal daily routines.
He was hopeful that if each one of us embraces fully the safety protocols, and we continue to put our faith in the Almighty, we will emerge strongly from this pandemic.
Story: Seth Ameyaw Danquah
