Coronavirus lockdown: Four assemblies in Eastern region fight sudden influx

Some Assemblies in the Eastern Region are fighting the influx of people into the area as a result of the lockdown of Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi in a bid to deal with the coronavirus outbreak which has, so far, killed five Ghanaians out of the one hundred fifty-two cases confirmed so far.

The Juaben South, Akuapem North Municipal Assembly, Akuapem South and Okere Municipal Assemblies are among those who have been experiencing an influx of people since the lockdown took effect from Monday.

The four assemblies have, therefore, mounted roadblocks to ensure the people entering their jurisdiction are checked for the virus.

In a joint statement, the four Assemblies said there would be 15 checkpoints for that exercise.

The statement said both security and public health officials “would be present at these checkpoints to take the temperature of people and direct abnormal cases to the appropriate authorities.”

“We wish to assure all our stakeholders that these measures are taken in the interest of the people and citizens would only last for two weeks subject to review and that all the steps taken would help mitigate the impact of influx of people from other parts of the country that could possibly lead to the spread of the virus in the municipalities and district. It is therefore expected that as law-abiding citizens, we should cooperate with the assemblies to ensure that lives are protected and together, we shall overcome this too,” the Assemblies said.

Furthermore, the Assemblies have directed hotels and guest houses to provide them with the number of visitors they receive for the necessary action to be taken.

Also, food vendors, chop bars, restaurants have been ordered to only provide “take away” services.

Additionally, pubs and drinking spots have been ordered to shut down until further notice, while market women and traders at Adawso market, Asenema market, Agartha market, Koforidua Central market, Juaben Serwaa market, Zongo markets, and the beads market have been directed to run a rotational system in accordance with social distancing protocols.