Inauguration of the COVID-19 working group of schools in the central region

Regional news for Tuesday 12 January 2021

Source: GNA

2021-01-12

To verify the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in schools in the central region, the Regional Directorate of Health on Monday formed a COVID-19 working group made up of seven schools to supervise and monitor the pandemic situation.

The regional task force, chaired by Mr. Matthew Ahwireng, Regional Health Promotion Officer, also has a mandate to educate students and stakeholders on the need to take precautionary measures to ensure student safety.

It will be replicated at the metropolitan, municipal and district (MMD) levels.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced the reopening of schools at all levels of the education ladder in his address to the nation on Sunday January 3, 2021.

The president also ordered all schools to be disinfected while logistics for COVID-19 were to be provided as part of disease prevention measures.

Universities opened on Saturday January 9 while primary and secondary schools will reopen from Friday January 15 to Monday January 18.

Dr (Ms.) Akosua Owusu Sarpong, Central Regional Director of Health Services, who inaugurated the working group, said, “We need to make sure that we collectively maintain the safe school environment for our children.”

She warned the public against violating COVID-19 protocols as it could have dire consequences.

Dr Owusu Sarpong expressed concern that many people have stopped to adhere to health and safety protocols around washing hands with soap, wearing face masks, using disinfectants for hands and social distancing.

She said the upsurge in cases was a wake-up call for Ghanaians to religiously adhere to safety protocols.

Dr Owusu Sarpong debunked the false perception that the virus was no longer in the system, claiming that “COVID-19 went nowhere” and warned that the current growing number of critical cases of the new variant was “Alarming” and “disturbing”. and called for concerted efforts to stop the spread of the disease.

She appealed to the CEOs of MMD to support the task force in their regions to help protect schools from the pandemic.

Dr Kwabena Sarpong, Deputy Regional Director, in a brief remark urged the media to step up education to warn the public of the misconception that the disease is no longer fatal.

He said more deaths from COVID-19 were on record and everyone needed to protect themselves by adhering to protocols.

“There should be surveillance and vigilance in all schools and communities, as community members, teachers, parents and the public promptly report any sick member for treatment,” advised Dr Sarpong.

“We don’t want to hear any bad story about any of our kids at school,” he said, stating that it was going to be a difficult task as the school will reopen and KG students will wear nasal masks. and will no longer be able to hold hands and play together but urged everyone to ensure their safety.

For his part, Mr. Ahwireng pledged that the Committee stands ready to work diligently to fulfill its mandate.