Ghana opens churches, mosques amid COVID-19

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President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced religious bodies can now start open services and activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

It takes effect Friday, June 5, 2020. Maximum duration of service is an hour.

Speaking in a Sunday night televised address to Ghanaians, the president, however, said religious services at the mosques and churches can commence with a maximum number of 100 congregants at a time.

He also added that congregants have to observe a mandatory one metre rule of social distancing during worship.

On March 16, 2020, President Akufo-Addo shut down all educational institutions – universities, second cycle schools and basic schools. All churches and public gatherings including funerals were banned due to the coronavirus disease.

COVID-19 status in Ghana

Ghana on Sunday recorded another COVID-19 related death in less than 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 36, health officials revealed.

The total confirmed cases are 7,881 with 2,841 recoveries, according to the Ghana Health Service. Active cases: 5,004.

The total number of severe cases currently stand at 15 with five others in critical condition. Two are on ventilators, according to the Sunday, May 31, 2020 update.

Regional breakdown:

Greater Accra Region – 5,507

Ashanti Region – 1,184

Western Region – 421

Central Region – 393

Eastern Region – 117

Volta Region – 71

Western North Region – 67

Northern Region – 37

Oti Region – 26

Upper East Region – 26

Upper West Region – 22

North East Region – 2

Savannah Region – 1

Bono Region – 1

Bono East Region – 1

Ahafo Region – 0

Source: Daily Mail GH