Through a concerted effort of Government, Civil Society Organizations, Health Workers and the general populace, Ghana achieved a steady decline of Covid-19 Active cases. We were all hopeful of a gradual relaxation of restrictions so we could quickly get back to the “Old Normal”. From a figure of about 398 active cases some three weeks ago we are seeing a steady increase of active cases to a high figure of 1,541 with 322 deaths as at 13th November, 2020. The number of infections have increased from a daily average of 25 new cases to over 120 new cases. Clearly, we are under a threat of a second wave of Covid-19 which usually can be more devastating than the initial one.
Causes of Resurgence in Active Cases
It appears we all got complacent. With a false notion that the pandemic was on its way out, we lowered our guard a bit too early. Some Health Workers even got caught in this and relaxed their stringent Covid-19 Safety Protocols. Enforcement of Safety protocols also witnessed a gradual and progressive decline. A lot of people stopped wearing the all-important facemask and social-distancing was no longer being adhered to. A survey in parts of Accra revealed a precipitous drop in the already relatively low wearing of facemask from 44.3% to 5% by the inhabitants. In most rural areas, one would be lucky to find people wearing facemasks even in congested places like markets and lorry parks. Facemasks had become “chin masks” with the mouth and nose completely uncovered by the few who pretended to wear them. People rather appeared uncomfortable to be seen practicing preventive measures for fear of being seen as too scared of a “non-existing” or a “fading” pandemic. We are back to our old ways of attending Political rallies and keep fit exercises and other social functions like funerals and weddings with careless abandon. Physical distancing and hand hygiene have gradually been thrown to the dogs. Of great significance is the relatively high number of asymptomatic active cases in our part of the world. This poses a great threat to increased spread especially with low enhanced Testing. Generally, there seems to be a steady decline in education and information on the Covid-19 pandemic.
Socially, economically and in healthcare delivery, Ghana cannot afford a 2nd wave of this pandemic and we must do all can to avert it. The current situation in Europe and the United States of America with the attendant re-introduction of restrictions should be a strong warning to us.
Education and Enforcement of Safety Protocols
There is the need for all to join in an increased information and education drive on the reality and threats of Covid-19 and its prevention. Religious organizations and other organized groups e.g. political parties should emphasize the wearing of Facemasks both within and outside their meeting places. A more enhanced contact tracing with improved access to testing in all the sixteen regions must be implemented by the Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service. Now is the time to enforce adherence to Covid-19 Safety Protocols. We must all cooperate with the security agencies and other authorities to achieve this for the good of all.
Safety Protocols Compliance
For now, the wearing of Facemask is the single most important preventive measure until an efficacious Vaccine becomes universally accessible. To be effective, Facemasks should be worn properly to cover both the mouth and nose. It does not only protect the wearer, but also protects others as well. This must be done as a civic duty to protect lives and livelihoods. All must endeavor to wear it in enclosed places, especially in poorly ventilated air-conditioned offices and in crowded places e.g. Markets, Supermarkets, Shops, Malls, Lorry Parks, Churches and Mosques, Funeral Grounds, parties etc.
We should continue to practice physical distancing and avoid handshakes even at traditional social gatherings. Enhanced hand hygiene through frequent hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be practiced.
We risk going back to severe restrictions like complete closure of schools, prohibition of social functions e.g. funerals and weddings and religious programs if we fail. A total lockdown is inevitable if we fail in our efforts in preventing a second wave. Other countries like Australia have been able to achieve Zero Active cases through strict and thorough adherence to these Safety and Prevention Protocols. We surely can do it here too.
W/Bro. Dr. Paul Kwaw Ntodi, Supreme Physician, Knights of Marshall.
He is also a former Medical Director of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Sekondi-Takoradi
16th November 2020