The Ketu South Municipal Assembly in the Volta Region has issued a directive on compulsory wearing of face mask in public places to reduce the rate of Covid-19 infections.

The directive follows an increase in recorded coronavirus cases in the Municipality which has been identified as an emerging hotspot for the spread of the virus. 

The case count for positive coronavirus cases in the Municipality, as of April 30, 2020, stands at 11 out of the 16 recorded in the Volta Region. 

“All institutions both public and private operating within the Ketu South Municipality are hereby informed to ensure that individuals, clients and staff wear face masks during all contact hours effective May 4,” a communique signed by the Municipal Chief Executive, Elliot Agbenorwu said.

It further said that the Assembly would distribute some 1,000 pieces of face masks to the poor and vulnerable in the municipality.

Speaking to JoyNews, Mr Agbenorwu said that the Assembly would collaborate with the police to enforce the directive, where checkpoints will be mounted in the municipality, to ensure residents comply with the directive. 

“We will encourage people to be selling it [face mask] at checkpoints so that when a resident is arrested for not wearing a face mask, he or she can just buy, wear and will be allowed to go,” he added. 

He also said that there would be no punitive measures for now since the directive is not backed by law but assured the police would employ all forms of modest ways in enforcing it. 

Mr Agbenorwu added that the assembly would soon spread traders to prevent overcrowding at the market centres and ensure social distracting is observed at the various centres that will be designated for trading activities.