A Trade Liason Officer in Daegu, South Korea, Richard Zinleri has asked the general public to follow all directives given by President Nana Akufo-Addo as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus which is fast spreading across the world.
Ghana currently has recorded 161 cases of the disease, with five deaths and three recoveries so far.
Globally, there are about 799,710 confirmed cases, 38,720 deaths and 169,976 recoveries.
Speaking to Bernard Avle on Monday’s Point of View, Richard Zinleri shared his thoughts on how measures that have been put in place in South Korea which currently has over 9,700 confirmed cases will help Ghana.
Confirming how dangerous the disease was and the huge effects it had had on life in the Asian country, he further urged Ghanaians to go according to the orders issued by President Akufo-Addo to keep everyone safe.
“In these times, mature citizenship must be displayed by all which was very evident in the first Korean case. In our case, there are people who might try to go contrary to the measures being declared by the President which was another fear factor. So we only hope and pray that citizens of Ghana will for the first time listen to the President to stay at home and be calm because this is a serious case and it’s spreading like wildfire. They shouldn’t wait for thousands of people just like the Italian case before we know this is serious.”
“Also to multinational companies in Ghana who make a huge profit, this is the time to come to the need of the nation. Ghanaians should watch closely. Companies that do not show any form of assistance or help, Ghanaians should think twice about patronage. This is the time for the rich people in the country to come to the forefront to let their resources help,” he stated.
Measures put in place to prevent spread
President Akufo-Addo has since Thursday, March 12, 2020 when Ghana recorded its first two cases of COVID-19 has issued many directives to protect the Ghanaians citizenry from contracting the virus and spreading it.
Below is the list of some of these measures:
- The most recent involves a two-weeks partial lockdown of Accra and Kumasi, the epicentres of the virus, including Kasoa and Tema.
- All travels into the country have been stopped. Airports and borders have been closed to human movement.
- All public gatherings have been banned. Church activities, schools, and most commercial activities have been suspended.
- Public transport vehicles have been ordered to observe improved sanitary conditions and reduce the number of people it is supposed to take.
- Ghanaians have been urged to observe social distancing and improved personal hygiene.
- Markets have been disinfected to limit the spread of the virus.
- An amount equivalent to US$100 million has been dedicated to enhance Ghana’s preparedness plan against the virus.