Volta Region is stepping up its novel coronavirus response as the number of cases rise to 263 as at June 14, 2020.
The measures put in place to ensure infection is contained include enhance surveillance, increased testing, prompt results collation and expansion of isolation and treatment centres.
Others include training and reinforcing knowledge on COVID-19 in markets, lorry stations, radio station, schools among others.
Environmental Health Officers and personnel of the various morgues in the regions have been trained on how to handle corpses appropriately when cause of death is unknown.
Another major measure is the setting up of task forces in all 18 districts to enforce the compulsory wearing of nose masks by residents.
In the Ho Municipality which has become the epicentre of the region; the Assembly has instituted a spot fine of GHC20 against persons who are caught without nose masks in public.
The fine is in accordance with the current Fee Fixing Schedule of Assembly Bye Laws, the circular from the Assembly had stated.
Speaking to the media on the rising number of cases in the region, Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa was appalled by the noncompliance with the coronavirus preventive measures in the region, particularly, in the Ho Municipality.
He said the attitude of traders and customers alike at the markets and care free lives of vendors, taxi drivers and residents was a great cause of worry as such “business as usual attitude” was contributing to the rising number of positive cases in the Region.
He lamented that “The attitude over coronavirus in Ho is so bad and it is not surprising that our case count is rising so fast.
“We are just refusing to admit that we have a problem and that each one of us has a role to play in putting this virus under control… wherever you are, you will find out that protocols are not being observed.”
He commended the spot fine initiated by the Ho Municipal Assembly and urged other districts to do all they can to ensure the safety protocols, especially wearing of nose masks, social distancing among others are enforced.
Current Cases in Volta
Currently the Volta Region has seen its cases rise by over a 100 percent in the last two weeks.
As of June 1, 2020 the number of cases in the region was 84.
It moved to 102 few days after and between June 8 and June 14, 2020, the regions cases increased by 100 from 162 to 263.
Per the latest case counts the Ho and Keta municipalities and the Anloga and Central Tongu districts recorded more cases contributing half of the total number of the new cases.
Ho recorded 33 new cases moving its tally from 62 to 95 and hence making the regional capital the new epicentre of the region after overtaking Ketu South which now has 42 cases.
Keta jumped from one case to 12 cases, Anloga from eight to 24 cases and Central Tongu from nine to 21 cases.
Interestingly, Ketu South which was initially the epicentre of the pandemic in the region now has the highest recoveries.
Out of the 48 recovery cases, the Municipality has 25 recoveries.
Out of 18 Municipalities and Districts, only three have not recorded positive cases yet; thus Afadzato South, North Dayi and Akatsi North.
Meanwhile a second death recorded in the Ho Municipality have increased the number of COVID-19 related deaths to four bringing the number of active cases in the region to 211.
From Fred Duodu, Ho