President Akufo-Addo has maintained the directive that cinemas, pubs, and beaches will remain closed as part of restrictions adopted to contain the coronavirus.

He made this statement during his 20th address to the nation on measures instituted by the government to fight Covid-19.

“Beaches, pubs, cinemas and nightclubs remain closed until further notice. All other institutions that have been cleared to function are to continue to do so in strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocols,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

These places have been closed since the country was placed under lockdown in March.

With barely a week to the Christmas festivities, President Akufo-Addo urged the citizenry to err on the side of caution and observe all the safety protocols as they hold their family reunions, parties and many social and religious gatherings.

He also advised persons with underlying ailments, such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic liver disease, and asthma to pay particular attention to their health during the festive season.

“The dynamics of the virus has taught us that, if you must host or attend such events, they are best held safely outdoors or in very well-ventilated halls, rather than in closed, air-conditioned spaces.

"Even when organised outdoors, there must be adequate spacing for the maintenance of social distancing. Organisers of such events, public or private, should ensure the presence of ‘Veronica’ buckets, soap and sanitisers, and must insist that patrons use them as frequently as possible," he said.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo stressed that the country's borders, by land and sea will also remain closed to human traffic until further notice.