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Health News of Tuesday January 12, 2021
Source: GNA
2021-01-12
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To verify the spread of COVID-19 in schools in the central region, the Regional Directorate of Health on Monday set up a COVID-19 working group made up of seven schools to oversee compliance with protocols and monitor the pandemic situation.
The 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 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.
He also ordered all schools to be disinfected as logistics for COVID-19 were to be provided as part of measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
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 were not following the safety protocols of washing hands with soap, wearing face masks, using hand sanitizers 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 called on the general managers of metropolitan, municipal and district areas to support the task force to help protect schools from the pandemic.
Dr Kwabena Sarpong, Deputy Regional Director, 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.”
Dr Sarpong said it would be a difficult task as the school would reopen and kindergarten students would wear nasal masks and be prevented from holding hands and playing with friends, but urged everyone to help ensure their security.
Mr. Ahwireng, for his part, said the Committee stands ready to work diligently to fulfill its mandate.
Members are Dr Akosua Owusu Sarpong, Central Regional Director of Health Services, Ms Alice Tettey, Representative of Ghana Journalists Association, Mr Nicholas Ofori Boateng, Regional Director of NCCE, and Dr Kwabena Sarpong, Director health services assistant.
The others are Linda Yaa Kwabia, CCR Health Representative, Amparbeng Jonathan, Regional SHEP Coordinator, Mr. Luthrodths-ISD Rep, and Mr. William Goku, Regional Environmental Health Officer.
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