Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan, has tasked District Chief Executives (DCEs) and health authorities in the region, to designate a school in every District to serve as centres to manage suspected coronavirus cases.

The schools, according to the minister, would be equipped with medical facilities by the Ghana Health Service, to enable them deal with any suspected case of coronavirus.

The Region is yet to record a case of Covid-19 but Kwamena Duncan does not want to take chances.

He told a meeting of DCEs and Health authorities that the region does not want to be caught unprepared in the coronavirus fight and thus, adequate measures must be put in place to reduce the spread of the virus.

Should a district in the region get a suspected case, the minister wants it to be handled in the District through schools that have been designated by the educational authorities and equipped by the District health directorates.

“We just don't want to be caught unprepared when there is a suspected case. The DCEs have to liaise with the District educational directorates to designate at least a school to manage such cases when they arise,” he averred.

“The District health directorate should work with the MMDCEs [Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chie Executives] to equip the schools that have been designated,” he intimated.

The Regional Minister also asked for a District Rapid Response team, comprising health professionals, district education authorities and the security agencies, to be put in place to deal with suspected cases when they are reported

Central Regional Director of Health Dr. Akosua Agyeiwaa Owusu-Sarpong assured the Minister, the health staff to be used to form the rapid response team has been trained already and are ready for the task in every District.

The Regional Minister asked the regional directorate of health to immediately distribute all medical and sanitary items that have been donated to the districts where they can be used for the intended purpose.