COVID-19: Ghana extends border closure till May 31

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

President Akufo-Addo has announced the closure of Ghana’s borders for an extra month, effective Monday, May 4, 2020.

The closure of the borders – land, sea and air – will expire on May 31, 2020, President Akufo-Addo in an address to observe the May Day.

“This closure will not apply to goods, supplies and cargo,” he said in the address.

COVID-19 cases in Ghana have skyrocketed to 2,074 with 212 recoveries, the Ghana Health Service has reported.

One more patient has passed on, making the death toll 17.

Below is the regional breakdown of cases

Greater Accra Region – 1,795

Ashanti Region – 99

Eastern Region – 70

Central Region – 21

Oti Region – 19

Upper East Region – 19

Volta Region – 16

Northern Region – 13

Upper West Region – 10

Western Region – 9

North East Region – 2

Western North Region – 1

Savannah Region – 0

Bono Region – 0

Ahafo Region – 0

Bono East Region – 0

COMPULSORY MASKS

The wearing of masks is now compulsory for commercial drivers, food vendors and other selected group of individuals, according to the Ministry of Health.

The directive is part of government’s effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 in Ghana.

In a statement, the Health Minister said face mask should be used in all public places where social distancing will be difficult.

“The Minister of Health hereby directs the use of face masks in all public places where it may be difficult to maintain social distancing. The general public is encouraged to wear mask or face covering when going out whether sick or not or attending to a sick person. Incorrect use of face mask carries a high risk of infection,” the directive said.

It added: “The following groups or persons are required at all times to wear masks: Food vendors and sellers at markets, commercial vehicle drivers and attendants, commuters on public transports, persons in public and commercial centres, facilities and buildings including but not limited to offices, bars, workshops, restaurants, sports arenas and spas, saloons, shopping malls, churches, clinics and hospitals and all other facilities accessible to the public whether privately or publicly owned”.

Source: Daily Mail GH