Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has confirmed the recent outbreak of COVID-19 cases within the University of Ghana (UG) community.
According to Mr. Akandoh, 107 out of the 316 suspected cases of the viral infection have been confirmed as COVID-19.
“As of today, 1st July, we have 316 suspected cases (people have shown symptoms and been tested) – 107 of those cases have been confirmed as COVID-19,” he told Parliament when he appeared before the House yesterday.
Presenting an update on the viral infection, the sector minister said the outbreak is currently limited to only the university community, adding that it has not spread widely to other parts of Accra or the rest of the country.
“There are no hospitalisations and importantly, no deaths. Mr. Speaker, colleagues, this is a localised outbreak and we are on top of it. There is no need for panic. However, we must remain vigilant and responsible,” he said.
Mr. Akandoh said the national disease surveillance system traced the increase in cases at the University of Ghana to a familiar variant – the Omicron sub-variant – which spreads easily and causes mild illness.
He further noted that the surveillance team sent to investigate the cases linked the factor that fuelled the spread of COVID-19 to the recent Hall Week celebrations held at the university.
“These events brought large crowds together, with little use of face masks or distancing. Following our investigations even after the university community became aware, we also noticed a drop in adherence to basic COVID-19 safety protocols and some challenges with contact tracing,” he said.
COVID-19 Vaccination/ Potential Surge
Although COVID-19 vaccine remains one of the important tools that can be used to control the spread of viral infections, the vaccination is no longer part of the country’s routine immunisation programme, said the minister.
“Indeed, this is the case in most countries. As a result, and in preparation for a potential surge, we have initiated the necessary processes to secure vaccines in-country.
“This is in line with our policy to protect the health of vulnerable populations – particularly people with underlying medical conditions and the aged, who are more likely to develop more severe disease,” he said.
Treatment
He assured the public that COVID-19 treatment is available, indicating that for those who get infected, the hospitals are prepared and stocked to provide oxygen therapy and all the necessary care.
A Daily Guide Report