Spike in coronavirus infection cases disturbing

As at the time of going to press yesterday, the country’s COVID-19 case count is nearly hitting 13,000 with 4,468 recoveries making active cases 8,395; 14 people are reported to be in severe condition.

Experts warn that if the country does not halt the rapid infection rate, a catastrophe could hit the nation as health workers are not being spared infection. A total of 97 healthcare personnel have so far tested positive for the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Ashanti Region with 14 of them having so far recovered.

The worry of the Paper is that with the increasing numbers and the lack of facilities to treat them coupled with the infection of health workers, their morale could be affected. Ashanti Regional Director of Health, Dr Emmanuel Tenkorang saying almost all the treatment centres are now full.

The Ghana Medical Association has also registered its concerns about the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic.

President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Frank Ankobea stated, “If we’re not careful, we will be overwhelmed with cases of COVID-19 as we keep recording more cases of the virus.”

A cursory observation of happenings in the country demonstrates the complete disregard of COVID-19 preventive etiquettes which could be the reason for the spike in numbers. They refuse to wear face masks and disregard social distancing.

Sadly, some are even in denial that is why the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) must step up its public education on the pandemic, particularly in the hinterland as the number of cases spike upwards.

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Information Minister admonished heads of Regional Coordinating Councils and assemblies to enforce the wearing of nose masks in their respective jurisdictions. Citizens have a collective responsibility and interest to wear them to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We also urge government to make some PPE available to less-endowed communities so that they would not have any excuse not to wear them once they are provided with them. Just like how vulnerable groups were targeted during the partial two-week lockdown with food and other essentials, government can consider such a move because the virus has to be contained.

The virus does not discriminate either on religious, tribal, economic, political or social status and the earlier we recognize that, the better for containing this deadly virus.