Former Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Benard Okoe-Boye has justified the reopening of schools despite a new surge in Covid-19 cases.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile Saturday, Dr. Okoe-Boye explained that experts have proven theoretically that the virus thrives in cold areas and also in enclosed places which is not a feature of most schools in the country.

Thus, the risk of infection in schools is likely to drop significantly.

"In Ghana about 98% of schools are not air-condition enclosed [and] immediately you are not in an enclosed area, the risk [of] infection drops significantly," he said.

His explanation comes few weeks after President Akufo-Addo paved way for all schools to resume, following the closure of schools for about ten months due to the outbreak of Covid-19 in the country.

The decision has since been greeted with mixed reactions.

There have been concerns that the reopening of schools is likely to increase the spread of the virus and subsequently worsen the country's (Covid-19) situation since most students, especially the younger ones may not be able to effectively observe the protocols.

But Dr Okoe Boye, however, has noted that there is no cause for alarm since government has beefed up efforts when it comes to managing the virus.

"University of Ghana Medical Center, Korle-Bu, and Ga East Hospital were the classical treatment centers. We've created another treatment center at the Ridge Hospital which has about 16 beds.

"The Ghana Infectious disease center with some 100 beds had some infrastructural challenges but now, its been operational for one or two weeks. There are also about nine ICU facilities," he said.

Nonetheless, he urged strict adherence to the Covid-19 protocols.

"I don't speak to this beefed up bed space to encourage people to act funny and be reckless. In terms of transmission, the virus has not changed its ways [so] avoid enclosed places, keep your mask on and observe the protocols," he added.