Government has committed ¢2.5 million to support the activities of the National Coordinating Sectoral Committee leading the implementation of the prevention plan against coronavirus.

Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang Manu who made the revelation on the floor of Parliament, Monday, said some 10,000 protection equipment will be imported, while insurance covers provided for all health practitioners at the frontline in the fight against the virus.

“We have developed a special communication emergency response plan and key among them is an alert that has been developed for use by the general public. This is aimed at providing public education on the outbreak and necessary preventive measures.

“Centres have been developed to sensitise travellers arriving into the country. Weekly tests have been scheduled and we have already done three of them. Media engagements have started and are also ongoing,” he said.

The Coronavirus, since its outbreak in China, has killed over 400 people with 20,000 confirmed cases of infection.

Enhanced surveillance at various points of entry into Ghana, especially at the Kotoka International Airport has begun with passengers from China going through a thorough screening.

These measures, although described as inadequate by the Minority in Parliament, have been lauded by many as a step in the right direction.

But addressing Members of Parliament, Mr Agyeman-Manu said the money is government’s initial support for the start-up plan.

“To get to the general public, we are using multiple platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp for information dissemination.

“The Health Ministry continues to work with our development partners to monitor the situation and further strengthen systems to prevent an outbreak of the virus in Ghana,” he said.

The Minister added, “Government is doing everything possible to prevent and protect against the outbreak. An amount of ¢2.5 million has been allocated as set up a fund towards the implementation of the initial response plan.” 

He concluded that government is still considering evacuating Ghanaians in china, despite assurances by the Chinese government that the citizens are safe and protected.