The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed that the country is ready to deal with the first 100 cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Dr Patrick Aboagye said mechanisms put in place at the Ridge Hospital, the Tema General Hospital and training of health personnel at all regional and teaching hospitals across the country has boosted confidence in the country’s preparedness.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show Monday, he clarified that being ready for 100 cases now does not mean authorities would throw their arms in the air if there is an outbreak of the covid-19 in Ghana and the numbers exceed 100.

According to him, he said based on the scenario at hand they would upgrade their strategy to deal with the disease.

China, he cited, had no standing facility to deal with a covid-19 outbreak but they put one up when it was needed, adding Ghana would cross that bridge when it becomes necessary.

Meanwhile, the Service has cautioned people who have either returned or travelled to Ghana from covid-19 hit countries and shown symptoms of the virus not to visit health facilities on their own.

Rather, such persons should call the centre for assistance on these lines; 055 2222 004 055 2222 005 or 050 9497700 or 055 8439 868.

“Do not visit any health centre/facility on your own if you have just returned from any of the affected countries, and you are exhibiting symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing,” the GHS said in a statement after neighbouring Nigeria confirmed the first case of the deadly virus in West Africa last Thursday.

“We wish to take the opportunity to reassure Ghanaians that we will continue to intensify our preparedness activities and heighten surveillance at all points of entry to ensure that all citizens are safe and secured,” the GHS said.