President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that we have let our guard down in the observance of the Covid-19 safety protocols.
Delivering his 26 national address in measures put in place to manage the outbreak, said we cannot afford to go back to the days of partial lockdowns.
“Fellow Ghanaians, it is obvious from the data that we have let our guard down, with many going about their daily duties in clear breach and disregard for the protocols. At a time when the economy is on the rebound, and business activities picking up, we must do everything possible to contain this outbreak. We cannot afford to return to the days of partial lockdowns, which brought considerable hardships and difficulties for all of us.
You returned me to office in the elections of 7th December with a clear and decisive mandate to protect lives and livelihoods, and steer our nation out the grips of the pandemic, and onto a path of sustained economic growth and progress. Fortunately for us, we have tried and tested response protocols which we have implemented since March 2020. They have stood us in good stead, and we have no choice but to return to the strict implementation of some of them.”
He described the failure of the majority of Ghanaians to wear face masks as alarming.
“It is extremely troubling to note that the high compliance rate with mask wearing has fallen alarmingly. The wearing of masks in public places, fellow Ghanaians, continues to be mandatory. There are no exceptions to this rule, and strict conformity with this protocol will be enforced. Anyone found to be flouting this directive will have him or herself to blame. We cannot afford to allow the recklessness of a few to endanger the lives of the majority of persons in the country.”
As part of measures to reduce the spread the following measures have been taken;
The COVID-19 Taskforce, which I chair, has recommended that a second look be taken at the protocols that have been put in place for the holding of funerals across the country. I have, in previous updates, emphasised the need for the strict observance of safety protocols at funerals, and the following measures are a set of enhanced protocols which must be adhered to by all at funerals:
- all events associated with funerals, weddings must be held in open air spaces;
- there must be observance of the one (1) metre social distancing rule;
- the wearing of masks is mandatory, and persons must respect the enhanced hygiene protocols;
- weddings, funerals should not go beyond the two (2) hour time duration;
- post-funeral, weddings receptions are banned;
- handshakes must be avoided;
With workplaces currently witnessing a resurgence in COVID-19 infections, I want to admonish businesses, workplaces, and their owners and management to observe staff management and workplace protocols, such as the use of a shift system and technology, with the view to achieving social distancing and hygiene protocols.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com
