The Information Minister-designate has appealed to the citizenry to watch the funeral and burial activities of former President Jerry John Rawlings virtually to avoid a possible spread of Covid-19.

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said given current regulations for public gathering, admitting a large number of people to observe the final funeral rites will flout social distancing protocols.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Accra on Monday, the Ofoase Ayirebi MP said, “the funeral rites of former President Rawlings is ongoing but you don’t need to be there in person. You can follow it virtually on television and on online platforms.”

The late President died in the early hours of November 12, last year at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

With the commencement of his funeral rites, he will be laid-in-state from January 24 to 26 at the foyer of the Accra International Conference Center from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, present and past Speakers of Parliament together with heads of states of countries in the sub-region and beyond will be present to pay their last respect on Tuesday January 26, 2021.

There will also be a Mass on the same day from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra.