The Juapong market in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region has been closed down to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Screening centres will also be set up at entry points into the region from the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions to prevent importation of the virus.

The screening centres would be in the South Dayi, North and South Tongu districts.

These measures were contained in a press release signed by the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Letsa.

The Minister said the measures were instituted by the Volta Regional Public Health Emergency Management Committee, following a sharp increase in confirmed cases in neighbouring Eastern Region from 1 to 16 as of April 10, 2020.

Dr Letsa stated that there were ongoing discussions with Municipal and District Chief Executives to adopt practical solutions to prevent overcrowding on market days in their respective areas.

He also stated that a multidisciplinary task force has been set up to ensure private and commercial vehicles adhere to the social distancing directive by the Transport Ministry, which includes a reduction in the number of passengers aboard a vehicle. 

“It is strongly recommended that the general public adhere to social distancing in all endeavours especially when they are boarding vehicles,” he added.

Dr Letsa also urged the public to observe the safety protocols outlined by the government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, adding that “people who have hypertension and diabetes should kindly ensure that they take their medications as prescribed by their doctors.”

Ho Central Market to be closed to public

In a related development, the Ho Central Market in the Ho Municipality would be closed to business on market days, starting from Monday, April 12, 2020.

This follows the failure of the traders to comply with the social distancing directive to prevent overcrowding in the market, to keep the spread of the virus at bay.

Speaking at a media orientation on Covid-19, Dr Letsa explained that market days in Ho would automatically become clean-up days at the market and its immediate surroundings.