President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has highlighted the frightening spread of COVID-19 in the country from a second wave that has so far recorded active cases of 5,358 and an average daily infection rate of 700.
This is more than double the active cases of 1,900 recorded two weeks ago when the President delivered his 22nd update on the disease.
Over the same period, 64 more people have died bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to 416.
The hospitalisation rates are also increasing, with the number of critically and severely ill persons hitting a record 172.
According to the President, hospitals have become full and government compelled to reactivate isolation centres.
President Nana Akufo-Addo disclosed these in his 23rd update on measures the government has taken against the spread of the Coronavirus on Sunday 31st January.
He indicated that a hope of an improvement in Ghana’s case count has been crashed with the situation worsening over the last two weeks.
He said, “Fellow Ghanaians, we have a lot of work to do in coming to grips with the disease.”
“Given that recent studies show that the UK and other new variants are being transmitted within the population, we should all understand that our current situation could get very dire if efforts are not made, both on the part of Government and by you, the citizenry, to help contain the virus.”
According to him, analysis continues to indicate the spread of the virus mostly occurs in indoor, confined spaces with poor ventilation, where people are talking, singing or shouting without their masks.
Government, he said, is therefore compelled to re-introduce the Covid restrictions on daily routines to help reduce the prevalence of the pandemic in the country.
“Until further notice, funerals, weddings, concerts, theatrical performances, and parties are banned. Private burials, with no more than twenty-five (25) people, can take place, with the enforcement of the social distancing, hygiene and mask wearing protocols.”
“Beaches, night clubs, cinemas, and pubs continue to be shut. Our borders by land and sea remain closed.”
“All workplaces, public and private, must employ a shift-system for workers, in addition to the use of virtual platforms for business or work.”
“Conferences and workshops can take place with all the appropriate protocols. However, I encourage the use of virtual platforms for such engagements,” he said.
Government, the President, will continue to monitor the situation and will remain resolve in ensuring Ghanaians are able to return to normal daily routines.