President Akufo-Addo has disclosed that Ghana is currently experiencing a third wave of the Corona Virus infections in the country.
He notes that as per data available from the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the country has increased infections largely driven by the Delta Variant of the virus.
Nana Addo indicated that according to the World Health Organisation, Ghana has increased transmissibility rates, leading, in recent weeks, to a rise in hospitalisation and ICU bed uptakes, and, tragically, deaths.
In the view of the president, the citizens went about their lives in clear breach and disregard for the COVID-19 safety protocols.
“It is obvious from the data that we have let our guard down, with many going about their daily duties in clear breach and disregard for the protocols. At a time when the economy is on the rebound, and business activities picking up” he stated.
Addressing the nation yesternight on measures his administration has put in place to intensify the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent further spread, President Akuffo-Addo was emphatic that “we must do everything possible to contain this outbreak. We cannot afford to return to the days of partial lockdowns, which brought considerable hardships and difficulties for all of us.”
The President noted that he cannot renege on his “mandate to protect lives and livelihoods and steer our nation out the grips of the pandemic onto a path of sustained economic growth and progress.”
Nana Addo stated that it is extremely troubling to note that the high compliance rate with mask wearing has fallen alarmingly stressing that there are no exceptions to the rule of wearing of masks in public places.
He warned: “Anyone found to be flouting this directive will have him or herself to blame. We cannot afford to allow the recklessness of a few to endanger the lives of the majority of persons in the country.”
For this reason, the President reiterated that the wearing of masks is mandatory, and persons must respect the enhanced hygiene protocols while funerals should not go beyond the two (2) hour time duration.
He said post-funeral receptions are banned while handshakes must be avoided.
The 26th address comes at a time when the country is recording high numbers of the coronavirus disease.
The GHS in its latest update revealed that as of July 21, the number of active cases stand at 4,094.
Twenty-six out of the active cases are said to be severe while 15 others are in critical condition. Over 400 new cases have been recorded.
Already, some schools such as Achimota School in Accra, have had students fallen prey to the new delta variant.
The country has also lost two more lives to the virus. While, the death toll stands at 821, the total case count is 101,170 with some 96,255 discharges/recoveries.
The surge in cases has been attributed to the total disregard for the Covid-19 safety protocols.
Source: By Kofi Yirenkyi
