LIVE UPDATES: Lockdown prosecutions, stigmatization

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday approved the disbursement of US$1 billion to Ghana to be drawn under the Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) to address the fiscal and balance of payments needs of the country and also improve confidence in the economy.

This has become necessary as a result of the menace of coronavirus and comes few days after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo extended restrictions on movements imposed in some parts of the country.

Over the weekend, reports were rife the Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen paid a working visit to some local companies producing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to aid the fight against coronavirus.

The companies - Dignity DTRT, Sleek Garments, Cadling Fashions, and Alfie Designs Limited - are tasked to produce face masks, medical scrubs, hospital gowns, headgears among others, using fabrics from ATL, Volta Star Textiles and GTP.

Government, through the Ministry of Communications on April 13, launched the Ghana COVID-19 Tracker Application in its bid to counter the spread of Coronavirus in Ghana.

Accessible as a browser-based app, the COVID-19 Tracker will allow persons to self-report symptoms without needing to visit a healthcare facility and thereby aiding in social distancing.

Additionally, the tracker which was formally launched by Vice President Dr. Bawumia at a virtual concert in Accra can also locate individuals who attend the same function as part of measures towards the enhanced contact tracing exercise to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

At the MOI Press Centre this morning, a press conference comes off as the Ministry of Information seeks to inform the populace about Ghana’s COVID-19 response program; update on government’s preparation for PPEs, subsidy on electricity and water utiities; public co-operation, dealing with stigmatization; security and prosecutions.