The University of Ghana has joined a number of institutions across the country that have suspended public gatherings after two cases of coronavirus were confirmed.

In a press statement, management of the school said its actions were to help limit large internal events as much as possible which would help control the spread of the virus.

Hence, hall week celebrations, all major international and national events set to take place on the university’s campuses have been put on hold until further notice.

However, gatherings including students and their faculties may take place if some measures the management put in place are implemented.

“The University is procuring sensor-assisted alcohol-based hand sanitizers which will be installed at all halls of residence, academic facilities and administrative units. Veronica buckets are to be installed at all University-approved markets.”

“Service providers such as food vendors, hairdressers, barbers etc., who provide services to members of the community are also to enhance their hygienic practices. The University will provide continuous education,” the statement read.

The University of Ghana’s decision comes after many institutions including the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), The Multimedia Group, 3Music Networks, University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and others have all suspended upcoming events as a result of the COVID-19.

United Nation (UN) agencies in Ghana have also shut down their offices and asked workers to stay home after it emerged one of the two recorded coronavirus cases in Ghana is their employee.

The University of Ghana’s Hospital and the Students’ Clinics, according to the management have been designated to screen possible coronavirus cases. 

According to the management, a screening tent has been set up at the entrance of the hospital to identify suspected cases for testing. 

“Persons who are tested will be held until the results are available (within a minimum of 6 hours). Those who test positive will be sent to the national case management centres at Ridge or Tema.”

Read the full statement below:

The World Health Organisation has declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and Ghana has recorded its first two cases. Consequently, University of Ghana has stepped up measures to prevent and/or contain a possible outbreak on the campuses of the University.  The measures outlined below will be periodically modified to keep up with evolving trends of the pandemic.

Preventive Measures:

• Sensitization on COVID-19 has begun at the Legon Campus and is being extended to Korle Bu and Accra City Campuses and subsequently to the Learning Centres and other related units of the University, such as the University Basic School and Baby Nest Creche.
• Information, Education and Communication materials are being developed and have been distributed electronically.  Notices and posters are also being used as information material.
• The University is procuring sensor-assisted alcohol-based hand sanitizers which will be installed at all halls of residence, academic facilities and administrative units.
• Veronica buckets are to be installed at all University-approved markets.
• Service providers such as food venders, hairdressers, barbers etc., who provide services to members of the community are also to enhance their hygienic practices. The University will provide continuous education.

In addition to the above, employees and students who develop symptoms of the common cold should stay away from public places and events such as school, library, lectures, meetings, religious gatherings, etc.

Screening

The University Hospital and the Students’ Clinics have been designated to screen possible cases. A screening tent has been set up at the entrance of the hospital to identify suspected cases for testing. Persons who are tested will be held until the results are available (within a minimum of 6 hours). Those who test positive will be sent to the national case management centres (Ridge or Tema).

Suspected cases identified at the Students’ Clinic will be referred to the university hospital for management.

Creation of Quarantine Facilities

Some facilities on campus have been designated as quarantine zones.

An individual who has a positive travel history or has come into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, but has no symptoms will be held under observation in quarantine facility for a period of 14 days.

Individuals who can self-quarantine will be encouraged to do so. In case they develop any illness, they should call UG Hospital: +233 595551971, for assistance.

Events

All major international and national events slated to take place on UG campuses are suspended and will be re-scheduled.

Internal programmes involving students and faculty may take place but the following appropriate infection prevention measures must be observed:

• Avoiding handshakes
• Proper handwashing with soap – under running water for at least one minute should be done frequently
• Proper application of alcohol-based hand sanitizers
• No touching of face, eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover your cough and sneeze with tissue or flexed elbow
• Proper disposal of used tissues

The University Community is to limit large internal events as much as possible. Appropriate spacing and adequate ventilation must be provided under these circumstances. Clearance must be sought for large meetings from the Office of the Pro-VC, ASA.

Hall Week Celebrations and other Student Gatherings:

Until further notice, hall week celebrations are suspended with immediate effect.  Similarly, other large student gatherings are suspended forthwith. In exceptional cases, clearance for large gatherings must be sought from the Office of the Pro-VC, ASA.

External travel

All non-essential international travel (of all employees and students) has been put on hold till further notice. Staff, staff dependents, students including international students who must travel should seek clearance from the Office of the Vice Chancellor with UG Emergency Response Team (UG-ERT) playing advisory role.

Members of the university community are to use technology to facilitate meetings, lectures and other activities as much as possible.

External Visitors

The University is suspending hosting of international visitors until further notice. The Office of the Vice-Chancellor will consider critical requests.

All tours to the University are suspended until further notice.

The UG-ERT is monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates.

Meanwhile members of the community are advised to take the necessary precautionary measures outlined in university notices and information on COVID-19.  That responsibility is what we owe to ourselves, our families and other members of the community.

For assistance, the following hotlines can be reached:

UG Hospital: +233 595551971

National COVID-19 hotline: 0552222004

National COVID-19 hotline: 0552222005