The Public Services Commission has urged all Governing Boards and Councils, and Management of public service institutions and agencies to take proactive measures at their various outfits amidst the coronavirus pandemic in Ghana.

In a statement sighted by Myjoyonline.com, they encouraged managers of public service institutions to put in place measures to create awareness as well as safeguard and protect their employees and all other stakeholders’ who come to transact official business with them.

According to the Public Services Commission, in addition to bans already set into motion by the Presidency, they’re placing a ban on local non-critical conferences, seminars, workshops, face-to-face meetings, and gatherings.

They are encouraging the use of alternative information communication technology approaches, such as video and telephone conferencing to hold meetings.

The Public Service Commission also asked for the provision of basic preventive items and measures such as hand sanitisers, alcohol, access to soap and running water, paper towels and proper waste disposal items.

They encouraged managers of public service institutions to display on notice boards, emails, and other vantage points public health education in the form of a simple “Dos and Don’ts” as well as encourage employees who feel unwell to stay out of work and seek immediate medical attention.

Furthermore, they urged the public service institutions to put in place contingency plans of workflow against any declared emergencies that may make it impossible to work from the office and advised public officers to refrain from communicating false or unverified information on social media platforms that may create fear and panic.

The Public Service Commission has directed Public Service Institutions to adhere to any other measure(s) and directive(s) put in place by the Ministry of Health and authorized agencies and have pledged their continuous support to assist with any necessary support needed.

These directives come after the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, placed a ban on external/foreign trips, except those deemed critical where prior travel approval would have to be sought from the Chief of Staff.