GMA expresses concern over increasing coronavirus cases

As of March 17, 2020, Ghana had a record of 12,590 COVID-19 cases with 8,114 of this number being active cases. The death toll stood at 66 with 4,410 recoveries.

With cases of COVID-19 increasing regularly amongst the citizenry and especially frontline health workers, the Ghana Medical Association has registered its concerns about the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking to Samuel Eshun in an interview on Happy 98.9 FM’s ‘Happy Morning Show’, the 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.”

According to him, Ghanaians should be worried and need to heighten their sense of responsibility as COVID-19 positives are being admitted to treatment centres in droves. “COVID-19 patients being hospitalized are no more asymptomatic and death rates are also increasing. This poses a lot of problems and something must be done about it.”

The health professional believes that the complete disregard of COVID-19 preventive etiquettes is a major factor causing the country to record increasing cases of the pandemic.

“Citizens are not following safety protocols. They refuse to wear face masks and regard social distancing. This behaviour started immediately after the lockdown was lifted and it keeps getting worse.”

He appealed to Ghanaians to help make the work of health workers easier by regarding all directives outlined by the government to fight the pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is real and is killing people. We have to advise ourselves and keep to all preventive measures,” he indicated.