The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers-Ghana (COPEC) says it has concluded discussions with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCS) for the immediate purchase and distribution of basic preventive clothing and equipment for drivers, pump attendants and other service providers.

This revelation comes in the wake of an increase in the number of cases of the contagious coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ghana.

"The Chamber further encourages as many fuel stations to make all the necessary arrangements to install self-serving or automated pumps across some service stations to reduce the possibility of physical contact between the customer and attendants at the various stations within this period," COPEC said in a statement.

Ghana has recorded four more cases of the virus, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the country to six.

The statement issued on Monday, March 16, 2020, and signed by COPEC Executive Secretary, Duncan Amoah, further called for the use of electronic payment systems and platforms in the payment for the services and products at these service stations as well as the payment of fares for public transport where possible.

"We encourage the public to strictly abide by and observe all the health protocols as spelt out by the Ghana Health Service under the current circumstances to prevent an escalation in the number of infections as Authorities continue to work strenuously to contain and eradicate the upsurge and incidence of this virus outbreak," it added.