Accra: The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has assured the public that it is collaborating actively with authorities of the University of Ghana to contain the COVID-19 outbreak and review measures in response to the evolving situation. This follows an uptick in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, which has been observed, currently limited to the University of Ghana community.
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement signed by Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Acting Director-General of the GHS, assured that the current cases were mild with no admissions. He, however, advised that if anyone experienced any of the following symptoms, including fever or chills, cough, sore throat, general bodily weakness, shortness or difficulty in breathing, loss of taste or smell, they should immediately report to the nearest hospital.
It reminded the public to adhere to the following preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease by maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. They should also wash their hands with soap under running water or use hand sanitizer, stay at home and self-isolate if unwell, avoid large gatherings, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
It said that although the current outbreak was localized, the public must remain vigilant by ensuring frequent hand-washing and mask-wearing in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. It assured the Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service, the University community, and the public that all necessary steps were being taken to prevent further spread and to control the outbreak effectively.
The World Health Organization (WHO) no longer classifies COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. However, the pandemic is not over. Sporadic outbreaks, which may follow seasonal patterns, are expected to occur globally. In Ghana, COVID-19 cases have been steadily declining for over a year. Nonetheless, surveillance continues nationwide through the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) as part of the national influenza and COVID-19 monitoring programme across all 16 regions.
