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WACCBIP bemoans surge in Covid-19 cases at testing centres

The West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) has raised concerns over the surge in Covid-19 cases at the country’s testing centres.

Speaking to JoyNews, Director of WACCBIP, Prof. Gordon Awandare said positive cases are recorded daily.

He warned of another wave next year if effective steps are not taken by the appropriate authorities to check this year's Christmas celebrations.

"We need to take some steps because the rate at which the cases are rising - you can imagine that after the holidays, we are going to have a huge surge in our hands. So we have to take some steps.

"If you go to the testing labs, the number of positive cases they are finding is increasing everyday. That tells you that we are in the midst of a surge."

Professor Awandare suggested that on-site testing can be employed as part of measures to combat the virus.

"We need to make rapid antigen test available for screening people before they go into these programs. If people want to go, they need to go earlier, get tested and they will be let in. If you are positive, you cannot get in.

Ghana has experienced two waves of the Covid-19 pandemic this year following the Christmas festivities last year.

From January to March, the country saw a surge in cases. Also, from August to October another surge was experienced.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has began vaccinating individuals in schools, churches, lorry stations among others to prevent another surge in 2022.

To eradicate the possibility of a global surge, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for suspension of all events.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, he cited the rising cases of the Omicron and Delta variants to justify his call.

"All of us are sick of this pandemic. All of us want to spend time with friends and family. All of us want to get back to normal. The fastest way to do this is for all of us, leaders and individuals to make the difficult decisions that must be made to protect ourselves and others.

“An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled. It’s better to cancel now and celebrate later, than to celebrate now and grieve later”, Mr. Ghebreyesus said.

According to the Ghana Health Service, the country's active and new cases stand at 1,954 and 437 respectively. Also, the death toll is 1,263.

 

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.