A volunteer with the National Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has cautioned people with chronic health conditions to stay at home as churches and mosques across the country prepare to open for service.

According to Dr Hilda Mantebea Boye, people with such compromised immune systems are at greater risk of more serious illness if they are infected with the novel coronavirus and it’s in their best interest to stay at home.

Speaking on Adom FM’s current affairs programme June 3, Dr Boye advised those with underlying health conditions should stay at home.

“People with comorbidity, children and the elderly should advise themselves to stay at home to prevent them from contracting the virus due to their health conditions," she told host Akua Boakyewaa Yiadom.

She believes that anyone could develop serious or severe illness from COVID-19, but those with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems are at greater risk.

Addressing Ghanaians on Sunday night, President Akufo-Addo said up to 100 worshipers can congregate in churches, mosques and other places of worship from June 5, 2020, as part of the easing Covid-19 restrictions.

The threshold is, however, 25% attendance, which means the number could be smaller for congregations with smaller numbers.

But Dr. Mantebea Boye who is also a doctor specialising in pediatrics in the Child Health Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital said despite the president's lifting of some restrictions, the elderly and children should avoid visiting crowded to avoid worsening their conditions potentially.

Contributing to the discussions on the Burning Issues show, a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) of Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Bishop Samuel N. Mensah on his part advised churches not to play live praises and worship in the church but adapt to the usage of recorded songs to prevent the possible spread of the virus.

According to him, the leadership of GPCC has agreed upon the suggestion, however said the suggestion is not binding on members and those who can do live praises and worship by enforcing the COVID-19 protocols.

He added that some of its members have been advised to embark on experimental church service as the churches seek to resume activities.

Meanwhile, the Spokesperson for National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeya Shaibu says the leadership of the Muslim community is forming taskforce to ensure full compliance of the COVID-19 protocols.

He added that the National Chief Imam, Dr. Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu has directed all head to ensure full compliance of the protocols.

Sheikh Aremeya Shaibu added that all the big mosques with large capacity which crowd control may be challenging will closed for now until further notice.