Get tested if you’ve travelled over the past 30 days - Gane to government officials

Independent presidential aspirant, Marricke Kofi Gane says our best chances in dealing with the coronavirus lies in prevention considering the gaps in our health system.

He said each of us should be part of the campaign to prevent the spread by reporting cases.

He called on the government to show leadership by ensuring that every public official who has travelled outside Ghana in the last 30 days to get tested.

This he suggested will show both the severity and non-discriminatory nature of the threats that confront us as well as give confidence to the recovery procedures the government has put in place for citizens.

He called for hand hygiene supplies in all public buildings, supply enough protective equipment and test kits in health facilities.

About coronavirus

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.