News about the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country is prompting questions among Ghanaians who have heard the story as to what could have gone amiss.
Although the infection had abated worldwide, and indeed in Ghana, somewhat it appears we let our guard down too quickly and with a touch of recklessness. What could we expect when to date some do not still believe there was a pandemic anyway?
Of course not many have even heard about the story of the resurgence and that is indicative of the level of ignorance in our local society.
A return to the face-masking regime of a few months ago until the President stood down the COVID-19 protocols is what those who have been following the rising incidence of the infection have decided upon which makes sense anyway.
Although we have not yet heard any robust reaction from the health authorities about information on the rising figures, we nonetheless, will remain concerned about the development.
Our position is steeped in the fact that Ghanaians hardly take health warnings seriously and would prefer to live in denial even when science and data prove them wrong.
Fear and panic are not appropriate under such circumstances as in the early days of the pandemic. Being mindful about the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ as prescribed by the health authorities, are the best responses.
Even as we pray that matters do not get out of hand, it would be necessary for the health authorities to start talking to us about how to respond to the rising incidence of COVID-19.
We dread the weekly “Fellow Ghanaians” updates from the President; it is our hope that we do not return to that page.
Authorities of schools, places of worship, markets and shops should explore ways of encouraging the adherence to the basic protocols. Although there is no compulsion, it is our firm conviction that when people understand what is at stake, they would do the right things under the circumstances, which is voluntarily abiding by the hygiene protocols.
If the President will be reluctant in returning us to the old days of the COVID-19 times, we still would love it if he encourages us to be pandemic- conscious. This is the only way to stem the rising tide of the disease.
Although COVID-19 is no longer as dreadful as it was in the early days of its arrival in our part of the world, it still demands that we observe the hygiene protocols even if we are not ordered to do so by the authorities.
The economic consequences of total adherence to the COVID-19 protocols are varied hence the need for us to voluntarily do the needful.