The first two index cases of the novel Coronavirus Pandemic in Ghana were reported on 12th March, 2020. Earlier all three countries bordering Ghana i.e. Togo, Burkina Faso and La Cote d’Ivoire had all reported their index cases. In the face of this and amid sometimes misinformation on Social Media, there is a lot of anxiety and Panic in the Community.
We urge all to be calm and not panic as we observe keenly the unfolding situation in the next 10 to 14 days and advice accordingly depending on how the situation unfolds.
For now we should all observe all recommendations and directives from the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference.
We should also learn to Protect Ourselves and Others through improved personal hygiene by
- Washing our hands regularly with plenty of soap and running water for at least 20seconds.
- Use Alcohol-based (60%) hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily available.
- Avoid touching our eyes, mouth and nose.
- Keep a minimum distance of 2metres from persons with cough or sneeze.
- Avoid Shaking of hands when greeting.
- Stop dipping our hands in the Holy Water; The Guard or Sentry may drop it in our hands.
- Self-isolate and call for Medical Help if you have symptoms of Fever, Cough and Difficulty in Breathing.
- Sneeze or Cough in the inner elbow or into paper tissue and dispose appropriately.
- Hand washing facilities and Sanitizers should be freely provided at all Meetings and Gatherings.
- Members who travel to severely affected countries or get in contact with Suspected Cases should go into voluntary Quarantine for at least 14-21 days
Should there be reported increased new cases or significant spread from the index cases and also depending on the distribution nationwide within the next 2 weeks we may recommend a suspension of all Marshallan Meetings and gatherings to protect ourselves and families.
Thank You.
W/Bro. Dr. Paul Kwaw Ntodi, SPH.