Kwaku Agyeman-Manu
THE MINISTER of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, has expressed worry over the gradual surge in positive COVID-19 cases in the country.
The sector minister, who was visibly worried about the rising infections, said the Ghana Health Service (GHS) had only 32 active COVID-19 cases as at April 2022 but the number has risen to 1,064, with 14 people in critical or severe condition as at June 14.
Fortunately, there has been no death related to COVID-19 in the past three months.
“The President stated and I quote, ‘wearing face mask is not mandatory’ but that did not mean that we should put off the face mask.
“We are all tired of wearing masks and that is correct … I think voluntarily we should all begin to protect ourselves,” he said.
He stated that social gathering like parties and learning institutions were the places recording high infection rates and, thus, encouraged parents to ensure their children wear nose masks when they are going to school.
Mr. Agyeman-Manu gave the caution at the launch of the National Food Safety Policy and the inauguration of the National Food Safety Emergency Response Plan Management Committee in Accra.
He opined that the country is still counting the financial losses of the COVID-19 battle, but was quick to add that the government had no option than to spend to save the lives of Ghanaians.
“We are not out of the woods yet, we have learnt lessons that will guide us into the future so let us all take a little bit of caution,” he emphasised.
Mr. Agyeman-Manu also admonished the public to get fully vaccinated as the country’s surveillance system was recording positive cases among vaccinated people.
He said persons who are partially vaccinated need to get the subsequent dose to be fully vaccinated.
“As time passes, your immunity level begins to go down. The cases we are getting now, some of them have had one dose, even two and three, but we are seeing some cases in those patients.
“So, if you have done one, get the second one as soon as possible. If you have done two get your booster, especially the elderly and those with underlining health conditions for our own safety,” he said.
BY Jamila Akweley Okertchiri