Wearing of face masks in public has been made mandatory within the Western Region as part of measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) disease in the country.
A statement issued by the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC) on Tuesday and signed by the Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, said the directive took immediate effect.
The statement also said homes, lorry stations, shops, markets, malls, banks and other offices should not allow entry to persons who were not in nose masks.
“All transport operators, particularly, commercial drivers and tricycle operators, market women, traders, restaurants and drinking bar operators, wayside food vendors and hawkers as well as their customers and the general public should endeavour to wear nose masks in the course of work,” it said.
The statement called on all heads of institutions, whether public or private to provide veronica buckets with water, soap and tissue paper as well as prescribed personal protective equipment (PPEs) for use by their staff and clients.
It added that steps should be taken by the security agencies and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to drive away children from the market centres, the streets and the beaches.
It commended the Information Service Department, the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) and the media for their continuous public education on the precautionary measures needed against the virus.
It urged the security personnel to strictly enforce the restrictions including the swift prosecution of all offenders.
“All members of the general public should remain calm and comply with the measures in order to conquer the Covid-19 pandemic,” the statement indicated.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi