The Bono East Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng has revealed that 10 out of the total number of deaths recorded in the Bono East Region since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, occurred in July.

Health authorities say the figure representing 28.6% of the cumulative number of deaths recorded across the region, is an indication that “the new variant is more deadly”.

Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng in an exclusive interview with JoyNews on Tuesday explained that, “we have 35 deaths. Fourteen of them happened in the first wave as we said and then 21 in 2021. But then the 21, the sad aspect that we are talking about is that 10 of them happened in just virtually one month and so that is the situation we are talking about”.

The region’s death toll represents 1.76%, a figure above the national average of 0.6%.

Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng appealed to the general public to observe the safety protocols outlined to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the region.

“I want to emphasize that the only way we can stay away from this dangerous situation is to continue adhering to the laid down protocols as outlined by the Ghana Health Services. I am therefore appealing to everyone to mask up as well as observe the other protocols which include proper handwashing and social distancing,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Bono East region together with the Bono and Volta regions have recently been described by the Ghana Health Service as one of the emerging hotspots in the country.