There seems no respite in sight at the moment as the deadly coronavirus continues its onslaught into new destinations, with Ghanaian authorities confirming two cases. This information was made know in a press release signed by the Minister of Health, Kwaku Ágyeman-Manu (MP), dated March 12, 2020.
Only two days ago (March 11, 2020), the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed the outbreak a pandemic as it reported that the number of cases outside China had increased 13-fold in two weeks.
In Africa, more than ten countries which include; Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Cameroun, Togo, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Nigeria have already confirmed cases of the COVID-19 as of March 12, 2020 with the number of countries likely to increase.
You can read the official press release below…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: GHANA CONFIRMS TWO CASES OF COVID-19
Fellow Ghanaians, the Ministry of Health has confirmed two cases of COVID-19. The cases were confirmed on the 12 March, 2020, and the first cases to be reported in Ghana.
Laboratory results of the two confirmed cases were received at the same time from the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
Both individuals returned to Ghana from Norway and Turkey. So these are imported cases of COVID -19.
Both patients are currently being kept in isolation and are stable. We have initiated processes for contact tracing.
I wish to assure all Ghanaians that the Government of Ghana together with all Health Partners will continue to work assiduously to ensure the situation is contained.
We wish to encourage every Ghanaian to take care of their health and that of their families by adhering to the following precautionary measure.
• Regular and thorough washing of hands with soap under running water and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers
• Avoid shaking of hands.
• Keep a distance of at least two meters from a person with fever, cough, sneezing and difficulty in breathing.
• It is advisable to be physically active, drink plenty of water, eat healthy, avoid stress and have enough sleep.
• Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing and call the following numbers immediately: 0509497700, 0558439868
