Wear a mask, regularly wash your hands with soap and water, use a sanitizer and maintain a distance of 6 feet between yourself and others.
These have been preached since Ghana first recorded its first two cases of Covid- 19 in March 2020. Initially, it was quite difficult getting the public to adhere to these protocols, especially, the wearing of face masks.
However, the imposition of a partial lockdown and enforcement of laws by local authorities and the Police got a large number of the population adhering to the protocols.
That’s not the case today, despite the presence of the delta strain, the most contagious variant. The Ghana Health Service says the non-adherence to the safety protocols is one of the causes of recent infections.
As of 21st July 2021, the country has recorded 817 deaths and 3,446 active cases.
The Health Service says the recent rise in the number of cases is of concern. This necessitated a strategic meeting of senior managers to address the issue.
In a statement released after the meeting, the total disregard for the safety protocols was one of the causes identified as gaps in the management of Covid-19 in Ghana. Health experts say a third wave of the pandemic is imminent in Ghana.
Delivering a speech during Tuesday’s Eid celebration, President Akufo-Addo warned that, “we can only minimize its (Covid-19) health effects and avert a full-blown third wave if we continue to be responsible and adhere to the safety and hygiene protocols”.
Research shows that wearing face masks cuts down the chances of transmitting and catching the virus. The Ghana Health Service has outlined some measures to deal with the disregard for protocols; Mobilization of opinion leaders, religious leaders, traditional leaders, key influencers etc.
These include; putting in place contextualized risk communication measures for locations such as schools, workplaces and establishing and enforcing adherence to Covid-19 safety protocols where appropriate.
The President and health authorities have used advocacy and education to get citizens to adhere to the protocols. But will employing these methods alone work and why has little enforcement been seen?
These are the questions begging for answers.
Latest Stories
-
FDA discovers expired food items at Zuarungu SHS storeroom
14 mins -
Bahamas World Relays: Ghana paired with world and Olympic champions in Heat 1
8 hours -
Bahamas 2024 Relays: Star-studded cast ready to put on pre-Paris show
8 hours -
Bahamas Relays preview: clash of global title-winning teams in men’s 4x100m
9 hours -
Arsenal keeper Raya wins Premier League Golden Glove
9 hours -
Iñaki Williams scores twice in Athletic Bilbao’s win over Getafe
9 hours -
Argument with Salah ‘completely resolved’ – Klopp
9 hours -
Reus to leave Dortmund at the end of the season
10 hours -
Uefa confirms 26-man squads for Euro 2024
10 hours -
Teacher Unions press home demands for the new allowances
10 hours -
Media’s failure to hold government accountable for ‘galamsey’ alarming – Mahama
10 hours -
Keta Presbytery urges Akufo-Addo to assent to anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
10 hours -
Ghanaian midfielder Lawrence Ofori nets maiden goal of the season with stunner against Vizela
10 hours -
Community fearful after off-duty policemen shot dead at East Trasacco
10 hours -
Dext Technology partners KNUST to train basic school teachers on STEM
10 hours