Coronavirus: Don’t talk, laugh or sing when you don't have a mask - Health Minister cautions

Health Minister Kweku Agyemang Manu has chosen a rather unconventional way to reach the emotions of the ordinary Ghanaian with regards to the adherence to safety protocols in mitigating the dire consequences of the Novel Coronavirus on the economy.

Kweku Agyemang Manu who was visibly unimpressed with the refusal of some people to wear face masks said the country stands a great risk of experiencing a massive economic downturn with the continual recalcitrance of some citizens.

Thus, in order to cut the rapid spread of the virus, persons who have no face masks must remain mute in order to cut the spread of the virus.

While speaking at the Minister’s press briefing, Thursday, May 14, 2020, he cautioned that, “Let's begin to think about the situation we are putting our economy in. If you continue to be recalcitrant, the recovery will not be easy…This is not the time to be visiting people.”

“…If you’re infected, you open your mouth, the virus comes out so again if you don’t need to, don’t talk especially when you don’t have the mask. They are telling us that we shouldn’t even laugh, especially if you don’t have the mask, we shouldn’t even sing. See where we’re moving to? If you don’t observe these basic guidelines the disease will continue to spread…” Kweku Agyemang Manu re-echoed.

The Minister also served notice that the Ghana Police Service, will in the coming days, begin to arrest and prosecute persons who fail to wear the nose mask in public spaces.

Already, the Greater Accra Regional Security Council has issued a “No Face Mask, No Entry’ directive to help spread caution amongst the populace.

This directive is being implemented at vantage points including offices, lorry stations, shops, markets, malls, banks, pharmacies, among others.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s case count has reached 5,530 cases with 24 deaths and 514 recoveries.