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Category: CORONAVIRUS

  • Update on COVID-19: Address to the Nation(Summary)

    Update on COVID-19: Address to the Nation(Summary)

    Coronavirus is still plaguing the world. Ghana hasn’t been spared the blushes of the virus with many cases reported since the first outbreak in March last year. Currently, Ghana has an active case of 5,480.

    This is some improvement seeing that the country was getting to 8,000 active cases few weeks ago. New cases as at February 24 was 626 and the death toll at 599. In total Ghana has recorded about 83,212 cases.

    The President Akufo-Addo tonight addressed the nation on the 24th update on measures taken against the spread Coronavirus. Below are some of the excepts of the address tonight.

    Vaccines were promised to arrive in March but due to hard work the vaccines have come in earlier than expected. The AstraZeneca vaccines is tried and tested. 

    Twenty million Ghanaians will be vaccinated by the end of the year; persons most at risk, frontline workers and persons with health conditions. Group 2 will consist of security personnel, farmers, telecommunications services, Meteorological services, media, transport services, army etc. Group 3 consists of all persons above 18 years, except pregnant women. Group 4 include pregnant women and others above 18 of by then vaccines are available for them.

    From March 2nd to 15th vaccinations will start in 43 districts across the hotspots. 

    The President assured the Ghanaian populace that the vaccine is not dangerous. He noted that the FDA have certified the use of the virus.

    The President and his wife and the vice president and wife will tomorrow take the first shots of the vaccine. This will be followed by council of state members, prominent personnel, Asantehene, Ga Mantse, Speaker of Parliament will take the vaccine on Tuesday.

    A committee has been set up to create and manufacture vaccines locally.

    The president also called on continuous abidance to the safety protocols. He noted that the vaccines should cause people to put their guards down.

    Currently Ghana’s active cases stand at 5,444 and 77, 972 recoveries. Death toll stands at 607.

    207 schools have reported cases since reopening. 282 cases from schools have been reported.

  • Diana Hamilton Gets Vaccinated in the UK

    Diana Hamilton Gets Vaccinated in the UK

    Award-winning gospel musician, Mrs Diana Hamilton, has received the Covid-19 vaccine in the United Kingdom.

    According to her, she took the vaccine a few weeks ago and had wanted to share it immediately with fans and followers.

    However, she decided to undergo a bit of monitoring following the numerous stories and misconceptions about the vaccines.

    “People told me I didn’t have faith that was why I went for the vaccine but the truth is covid is real and not a fiction,” she said.

    Mrs Hamilton took to her social media pages to share the video after which she narrated a terrific covid-19 experience which almost claimed her life and that of her husband.

    “I had it and so did my husband but it was only God who protected our children because our experience was that bad and no fun at all.

    “People we know have died out of it but I am grateful to be alive and I will urge you to appreciate God for my life as well because it was not easy,” she recounted.

    To her, it will be important for all and sundry to take advantage of the vaccination once it gets to their vicinity just to protect them from the deadly disease.

    “I have not been given money by any hospital or organisation to campaign that covid is real but this is based on my experience.

    “I will urge that to clear all doubts about the vaccines, read about them and ask questions don’t make decisions based on hearsay and go for it when it gets to you because it is real,” she urged.

  • COVID-19 Cases Rises Up

    COVID-19 Cases Rises Up

    The following are the updates on the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
    – – – –
    ACCRA — With a total of 598 new cases confirmed on Sunday, Ghana’s total COVID-19 cases have reached 80,253, said the Ghana Health Service.
    According to the government agency, the country has so far registered 577 COVID-19-related deaths, while the number of active cases stands at 6,658.

  • I will take the first shot of the COVID-19 Vaccine- Minister Designate for Information

    I will take the first shot of the COVID-19 Vaccine- Minister Designate for Information

    Today the ministry of health in collaboration with the ministry of information and other foreign partners held a press conference. It was to update the country on COVID-19 vaccine deployment into the country.

    There have been a lot of misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Some are of the believe that the vaccine is a poison that the whites wants to use to wipe off the blacks from the earth. Those who are of spiritual background too think that this vaccine is a form of Antichrist.Some even think the vaccine is the virus itself.

    At the event the speakers assured Ghanaians that the vaccine is safe and also before it will be given to Ghanaians the food and drugs board will have to test it to see its efficacy and safety.

    The Minister Designate of information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah stated that some executive members are willing to take the first shot of the vaccine to prove that it is safe. He said he himself particular will definitely receive the first shot of the vaccine live on Television.

  • 142 COVID-19 cases Recorded in Schools

    142 COVID-19 cases Recorded in Schools

    A total of 142 Covid-19 positive cases have been recorded in some Junior and Senior High Schools in 4 regions.

    Fifty-six (56) positive cases were confirmed in 23 schools in the Greater Accra Region.

    Eighty-two (82) positive cases, comprising 73 students and 9 staff were recorded in the Eastern Region, 3 cases in the Upper West Region and a single case in a school in the Western Region.

    They have been isolated and receiving treatment at the various treatment centres.

    No deaths has so far been recorded from the school infections.

    The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, announced this at a Covid-19 Media Updates in Accra on Tuesday.

    There have been 82 confirmed positive cases in the Eastern Region, comprising 73 students and nine staff after 553 suspected samples were tested.

    He said, for stance, 17 suspected cases were reported in Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon, in LA Nkwatanang District, but only 4 were confirmed positive.

    Twenty-four (24) suspected cases were reported in West Africa Senior High School (WASS) but 13 students tested positive.

    Three suspected cases were reported in Wesley Grammar School, but only one student tested positive.

    The Odorkor Cluster of Schools reported 15 suspected cases, but 5 students tested positive.

    Achimota Senior High School reported 6 suspected cases and all the six tested positive. There were 8 suspected cases in Achimota Basic School and all eight cases were positive.

    Six students tested positive in New Page Preparatory School, two confirmed positive cases in Accra Technical Institute after reporting 11 suspected cases, Dzowolu JHS reported 11 suspected cases but only one positive.

    Roman Ridge School also recorded 11 suspected cases, but one was positive, while 3 positive cases were confirmed in the Saint Elizabeth Schools after 10 suspected cases were reported in the school.

    Culled from Opera

  • Update on COVID-19 cases…..

    Update on COVID-19 cases…..

    At least 765 new cases has been recorded in the meantime taking the total number of people infected to 71,533 as by the update from the Ghana health service.

    The current positivity rate is 2.35 percent while the total positivity rate stands at 14.35 percent.

    According to the samples which was taken ,tested across the country in 24 hours.

    At least we can draw positive results from the update as 63,503 patients has recovered from Covid-19.

    The total number of recoveries now stands at 64,658 and the recovery rate at 90.84 percent.

    Although we have been experiencing an increase in the number of positive cases but we can draw something positive as the number of recoveries and discharged patient are always in an increasing rate .

    We therefore entreat all to abide by the protocols as we wait for the first vaccine to reach the nation in March. We should therefore be each other’s keeper because together we will be victorious . This too shall past.

  • Alban Bagbin has disclosed that some Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID-19.

    Alban Bagbin has disclosed that some Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID-19.

    The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has disclosed that some Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID-19.
    Though the identities of those infected are not known, the Speaker advised all MPs to strictly adhere to the safety protocols to avoid the spread of the novel virus.

    “Even in the House, some members are afflicted by the Covid-19. You may not know who the person is and because of the protocol issues of confidentiality, we are not disclosing those who are now Covid-19 victims. But we have some of us in that category,” he said.

    Mr. Bagbin made the revelation following a three-day health screening exercise organized for the law makers.

    Despite the presence of the medical team for the exercise, Mr. Bagbin says over 60 parliamentarians have refused to avail themselves for the test.

    “We arranged with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research to use three days and the three days are over but I am reliably informed that a number of our members have not yet taken the opportunity to either do the screening or to even undergo the Covid-19 test.

    “Honorable members, I humbly urge that you all take this opportunity seriously and go test by the end of today,” he appealed on Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

    But addressing the House today (Friday), Alban Bagbin said he is displeased with the continuous refusal of some MPs to undergo the testing which he says is mandatory.

    “My directive that all members subject themselves to the test has not yet been complied with by over 60 Members of Parliament.

    “It is true as the Majority Leader has just stated that we are not all safe. And so members should take the protocols seriously. In fact when I was entering I myself had to signal some members to respect the physical distancing.”

    In March 2020, some MPs tested positive for the virus after a medical screening was conducted in the legislature.

    Their identities were, however, not disclosed.

    At the time, two law makers were reported to have tested positive for the virus and asked to isolate.
    13 parliamentary service staff were reported to have also tested positive for the virus.

    Meanwhile, the latest update from the Ghana Health Service has revealed that the country recorded 625 new COVID-19 cases.

    The latest update brings the country’s active case count to 3, 940 from a total of 63, 883 case count.

    13 new deaths were recorded, bringing the death toll to 390.

    There have been growing concerns over the rising COVID-19 cases.

  • Would a second lockdown be neccessary?

    Would a second lockdown be neccessary?

    Ghana is one of the countries that has low infection rate since the outbreak. The government has given the green light for schools to fully resume across the country. Currently, Ghana has seen a sudden increase of covid-19 cases with ghana recording more than 200 covid-19 cases daily.

    The information minister kojo oppong- nkrumah has hinted a possible lockdown in restrictions to be enforced if the cases continues to rise. He also urged the public follow all covid-19 protocols put in place which is wearing your nose mask in public, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and then practicing social distancing to be able to defeat the virus.

    President Akufo-Addo addressing Ghanaians on the measures to Curb the Covid-19 pandemic said, “the virus has not changed…and the reduction in compliance with preventive protocols account is increasing.”
    He announced that there could be a possible second lockdown should the coronavirus situation in the country continue to worsen.

    The address, the 23rd by the president, also spelled out measures that government was putting in place to curb the spread of the virus. “Consensus from stakeholder consultation recommend a phased approach to easing anti Covid-19 restrictions,” he said.

    Ghanaians are extremely apprehensive about whether or not a second lockdown will be introduced as a way of curbing the rapid spread of coronavirus in their country.

    Some Ghanaians however feel that the increase in the coronavirus cases can be the sake of political rallies and other things which was going ahead of the December elections.

    “Is this going to affect our business ?” These are some cries from the public…

    Would a second lockdown be neccessary?

  • Coronavirus: 100-bed Infectious Disease Centre to be operationalized soon – Akufo-Addo.

    Coronavirus: 100-bed Infectious Disease Centre to be operationalized soon – Akufo-Addo.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced that the 100-bed Infectious Disease Centre will be opened in the coming days to aid in the country’s fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.

    In his 19th address on the pandemic, Nana Akufo-Addo said that the facility which will be operationalized in the coming days will be managed by the Ghana Health Service.

    Nana Akufo-Addo said that despite the number of hospitalized covid-19 victims being low, it is imperative that the country provides adequate care for the patients.

    “In as much as our hospitalization rates are very low, care for the sick and the provision of treatment remain an important aspect of our strategy. To this end, the one hundred-bed Ghana Infectious Diseases Centre, located at the Ga East Hospital, will be opened in the next few days, under the management of the Ghana Health Service,” he hinted.

    President Akufo-Addo also said that the government has made moves to procure more health equipment and PPEs to enhance healthcare delivery in the country.

    “The provision of adequate medicines, equipment, and personal protective equipment to enable health workers to attend to home-based patients has also been guaranteed.”

    Nana Akufo-Addo warned leaders of the various political parties to make mask wearing a part of their campaigns.
    “Fellow Ghanaians, with a month to the conduct of the 7th December presidential and parliamentary elections, there would, obviously, be an intensification of political party activities in all parts of the country, with its accompanying human contact. Nevertheless, I encourage political party leaders and supporters, at the very at least, to wear the mask at all times at these gatherings.

    “This task is not only for the leaders of our political parties. All of us, in the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, public sector, security agencies, private sector, civil society, professional and trade associations, religious bodies, traditional authorities and ordinary citizens, must do what we can, in this period, to help minimize disease transmission”.

    In a bid to enhance contact tracing measures, the president says it has instructed the release of vehicles and other logistics.

    “I have instructed the release of additional logistics, including vehicles, to the Ghana Health Service in order to help beef up contact tracing, and the supervision and monitoring of asymptomatic cases being managed from home…We are also employing the use of technology to augment our contact tracing efforts, as well as the supervision and monitoring of home care cases,” he added.

    Sorted by; Abigail Essel

  • Akufo-Addo directs political leaders to wearing mask as coronavirus active cases exceeds 1000.

    Akufo-Addo directs political leaders to wearing mask as coronavirus active cases exceeds 1000.

    Ghana’s COVID-19 active cases have increased to 1156 according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) amidst fears of a second wave.

    The number of new cases is also on the rise as 198 new infections have been recorded.

    The cumulative figure is now 49,202 with 47,726 number of recoveries/discharge and the death toll remains 320.

    Positive infections from International travellers at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) has increased to 171.

    Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo in his 19th COVID-19 address to the nation bemoaned the fact that Ghanaians are letting down their guard causing the number of infections to rise.

    He has, therefore “instructed the release of additional logistics, including vehicles, to the Ghana Health Service in order to help beef up contact tracing, and the supervision and monitoring of asymptomatic cases being managed from home…We are also employing the use of technology to augment our contact tracing efforts, as well as the supervision and monitoring of home care cases.”

    Election 2020

    Meanwhile, the President has asked that political parties and other groups ensure that their members adhere to the covid-19 safety protocols especially the wearing of masks

    “Fellow Ghanaians, with a month to the conduct of the 7th December presidential and parliamentary elections, there would, obviously, be an intensification of political party activities in all parts of the country, with its accompanying human contact. Nevertheless, I encourage political party leaders and supporters, at the very at least, to wear the mask at all times at these gatherings.

    This task is not only for the leaders of our political parties. All of us, in the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, public sector, security agencies, private sector, civil society, professional and trade associations, religious bodies, traditional authorities and ordinary citizens, must do what we can, in this period, to help minimize disease transmission”.

  • Prez. Akuffo Addo Addresses the Nation on COVID-19 Measures to be Taken

    Prez. Akuffo Addo Addresses the Nation on COVID-19 Measures to be Taken

    The president of the Republic of Ghana his Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo Addo addresses the Nation on measures and plans taken in place of the Coronavirus pandemic. This will be the 19th address.

    On his Speech, he said, the Active cases of the disease soared to 947 days ago.

    The latest data from the Ghana Health Service indicated 145 new cases have been reported, increasing the national confirmed cases to 48,788 as of 6 November 2020.

    A total of 47,521 have either recovered or discharged with the death toll still at 320 for the past one week.

    The number of cases confirmed at the Kotoka International Airport from international travelers since 1 September 2020 stands at 160 out of which 53 have been discharged or recovered.

    Ten persons however are in severe condition, four critical while two others remain on ventilators.

    See full video below;

    https://www.facebook.com/115527959813637/posts/402409624458801/?app=fbl
  • Ghana records 83 new coronavirus cases, death toll goes up to 320

    Ghana records 83 new coronavirus cases, death toll goes up to 320

    Ghana’s coronavirus death toll has climbed up to 320 from the previous 312, in the latest updates released by the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

    According to the latest GHS figures, Ghana’s active case count now stands at 535 after 83 new cases.

    Per these figures, the cumulative number of cases recorded in Ghana since the outbreak of the disease now stands at 47,991 and 47, 136 recoveries/discharges.

    According to the GHS, the number of international travellers who have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) since September now stands at 127.

    Currently, five regions in Ghana have no active cases, the latest figures from the GHS show.

    The regions are North East, Northern, Oti, Savannah and Upper West.

    Also, Accra has the highest active coronavirus case count of 331.

    Below is the regional breakdown of Ghana’s coronavirus situation.

    Cumulative Cases per Region

    (Case Count from Highest to Lowest)

    Greater Accra Region – 25,010

    Ashanti Region – 11,008

    Western Region – 2,978

    Eastern Region – 2,426

    Central Region – 1,931

    Bono East Region – 785

    Volta Region – 682

    Western North Region – 651

    Northern Region – 547

    Bono Region – 547

    Ahafo Region – 528

    Upper East Region – 358

    Oti Region – 242

    Upper West Region – 90

    Savannah Region – 62

    North East Region – 19

    Ghanaweb

  • Coronavirus: French police raid ministers’ homes in pandemic inquiry.

    Coronavirus: French police raid ministers’ homes in pandemic inquiry.

    French police have raided the homes of senior government and health officials as part of an investigation into their handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

    Health Minister Olivier Véran and the director of the national health agency, Jérôme Salomon, are among those whose properties were searched on Thursday.

    It comes after a court launched an inquiry earlier this year into the government’s handling of the pandemic.

    It has faced criticism over shortages of equipment and slow response times.

    Prime Minister Jean Castex is also under investigation, French media report, as is his predecessor Edouard Philippe and Mr Véran’s predecessor Agnès Buzyn.

    The court that launched the investigation in July hears cases of alleged wrongdoing by ministers and other government officials in the course of their duties.

    The move comes shortly after President Emmanuel Macron announced a night-time curfew in Paris and eight other cities to try to curb the rapid spread of Covid-19 in the country.
    The measure – which will apply from 21:00 to 06:00 – will come into effect from Saturday and last for at least four weeks. A public health emergency has also been declared.

    What else is happening in Europe?
    Across Europe, governments are introducing new restrictions to battle a second wave of infections.

    On Wednesday, Germany announced that bars and restaurants in higher-risk areas must close early. The country recorded 6,638 new cases on Thursday – the highest daily figure since the start of the pandemic.
    A partial lockdown has also come into force in the Netherlands and cafes and restaurants are closing.

    Earlier, Spain’s north-eastern region of Catalonia said bars and restaurants would close for 15 days from Thursday.

    And the Czech Republic has shut schools and bars. It has the highest rate of infection in Europe over the past two weeks, at 581.3 cases per 100,000 people.

    The Irish government announced a ban on household visits from Thursday night, but childcare and visits on compassionate grounds will still be allowed.

    What are the new measures in France?
    The night-time curfew was announced by President Macron on Wednesday, and it will apply to the capital Paris and its suburbs as well as Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Saint-Etienne, Rouen, Toulouse, Grenoble and Montpellier.

    Affecting around 22 million people, it will be applied for four weeks to begin with and Mr Macron’s government will seek to extend it to six.
    The measures will stop people visiting restaurants and private homes during the evening and night-time, Mr Macron explained.

    Residents will need a valid reason to be outside their homes during the hours of curfew, the president said, adding that he understood that a curfew was a “hard” thing to ask people to do.

    Essential trips will be permitted. Anyone found breaking the curfew will be fined €135 (£121).

    Schools will remain open and people will still be able to travel between regions during the day.

    Businesses that suffer financially due to the new measures will be eligible for state aid, Mr Macron said, adding that a second nationwide lockdown would be “disproportionate”.

  • COVID-19 Update Cases

    COVID-19 Update Cases

    Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.

    Some of the common symptoms includes; fever, dry cough and tiredness.

    Less common symptoms; aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes.

    In the latest regional breakdown of novel corona virus pandemic, the Ghana Health Service has posted it on their official website and just below is will show you a picture of the regional breakdown.

    In today’s article, Ghana our motherland case of the corona virus is massively dropping and we must thank God seriously. The more we take the laid down principles of the government, the faster we drive the virus away. Don’t forget to always wear your mask, wash your hands regularly, practice social distancing and others.

    With the latest regional breakdown update, of course, Accra is the highest and followed the by Kumasi.

    Checkout the corona virus Ghana has as at today, Thursday, 15th October, 2020.

  • Why investment in mental health is needed now more than ever

    Why investment in mental health is needed now more than ever

    Protecting our mental health is always important. As anyone who has been diagnosed with a mental health condition will know, investing in our mental health is essential to returning to our full potential. COVID-19 has put unprecedented strain on our mental health, whilst simultaneously disrupting treatment and services around the world. Evidence suggests it has increased stress, anxiety, loneliness, depression, substance use, self-harm and suicidal behaviour – yet access to support, especially trained support, has never been more difficult.

    At the beginning of this year, the message on mental health was loud and clear at Davos 2020: it is time to invest in mental health. This was before our world changed forever in the weeks to follow.

    Our world wasn’t set up to respond to mental health needs before COVID-19 – and it certainly isn’t now. It is estimated 284 million and 265 million people are suffering from anxiety and depression respectively. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally. Yet only around 2% of health budgets are spent on mental health. These alarming statistics show there is a crisis of inaction on mental health all over the world.
    Investing in mental health is not just the right thing to do. As experts have proven time and time again, it’s also good for business. Businesses have the power to create real change, through tackling workplace mental health and engaging in the global conversation around mental health in the workplace and beyond.

    COVID-19 is taking its toll on already overburdened and underfunded mental health services in many countries around the world. We need movement on mental health and we need to see mental health as foundational to our recovery from COVID-19. We cannot move forward and rebuild without it.

    The latest figures from WHO show more than 90% of member states have seen disruptions in mental health services. And while a majority of member states have included mental health and psychosocial services (MHPSS) as part of their national COVID-19 response plans, only 17% have ensured full funding to cover these additional MHPSS activities.
    Back in April, more than 1,000 mental health experts and advocates from more than 40 countries signed an open letter calling on global leaders to integrate mental health into recovery plans. This letter backed the recommendations of the report of the UN Secretary General on COVID-19 and mental health, which were that integrating mental health within COVID-19 response and recovery plans was essential. Over 95 member states supported this same report’s recommendations in a statement to the UN. This World Mental Health Day, campaigners, experts, governments and lived experience advocates are uniting once more to demand movement on mental health.

    The question as we go into this year’s World Mental Health Day, given our continuing efforts to tackle COVID-19 and think about the world we want to rebuild post COVID-19, is this: Will our world finally move beyond talking about mental health, and invest in mental health as foundational to our collective COVID-19 response and recovery?

    One thing is for sure – the future of mental health is up to us. There could be at least 60 million fewer cases of anxiety, depression and epilepsy between now and 2030 if we increase spending on mental health to recommended levels. People could gain 25 million healthy life years, and 200,000 deaths could be avoided. Countless benefits to individuals, families, communities, businesses and our world could be gained if we invest in everyone, everywhere, to give people the opportunity to reach their full potential.

    We can do this by investing in our own mental health, supporting the mental health of those around us and by demanding that our leaders invest in mental health across the world. COVID-19 gives us a once in a lifetime opportunity to move mental health forward. By investing now and building mental health into all COVID-19 response and recovery plans, we can build back better.

    Please join us and the growing movement as part of this year’s official World Mental Health Day campaign: #MoveForMentalHealth. Share the message among your networks that the time to move is now. Act yourself – commit to make a new investment in mental health. Campaigners around the world will be moving; playing sport, going for a walk, joining in the growing TikTok dance challenge, or marching for change as part of the Global March for Mental Health on October 9.

    The future is up to us. Will you join us? It’s time we all moved forward and invested in mental health. Now, more than ever, it’s #TimeToInvest and move for mental health.

    Ghanaweb