The Ministry of Health through the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has assured the public, especially the University of Ghana Community that it is taking all necessary steps to prevent further spread and outbreak of the resurgence of COVID 19.Although the current outbreak of the disease on the Legon Campus was localised, the public has been urged to remain vigilant and resort to frequent hand washing, and masks wearing in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.Notwithstanding, the World Health Organisation (WHO) no longer classified COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, says Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director General of the GHS in a statement in Accra yesterday.The statement said the pandemic was not over as sporadic outbreaks, which may follow seasonal patterns, were expected to occur globally."In Ghana, COVID-19 cases have been steadily declining for over a year.
Nonetheless, surveillance continues nationwide through the GHS and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) as part of the national influenza and COVID-19 monitoring programme across all 16 regions," the statement said."In recent weeks, an uptick in COVID-19 cases has been observed, currently limited to the University of Ghana community," the statement added.The statement indicated that the current cases were all mild with no admissions.However, it stated that if anyone experienced symptoms including fever or chills, cough, sore throat, general bodily weakness, shortness or difficulty in breathing, loss of taste or smell, the person should immediately report to the nearest hospital for medical attention.The statement assured that the Ghana Health Service (GHS) was actively collaborating with the University authorities to contain the outbreak and review measures in response to the evolving situation but while at it, the public is reminded to adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures including maintaining social distancing, wearing of face masks, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas to help curb the spread of COVID-19:The public are also reminded to wash hands with soap under running water or use hand sanitizer, stay at home and self-isolate if unwell, avoid large gatherings, seek medical attention.Meanwhile, the UG has suspended all social gatherings on its campus following a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, saying the ban on gatherings was focused on safeguarding the health and well-being of the university community due to the resurgence of the deadly virus on campus.An official notice communicated by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs on Wednesday in part read: "Due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases on the University of Ghana campus, it has become necessary to suspend all social gatherings with immediate effect."All student-led activities and celebrations have been affected by this suspension, including those organised by Graduate Students' Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Student Representative Council (SRC), Junior Common Room (JCR), as well as departmental and school associations.According to the ban, all planned week celebrations and activities have been put on hold until further notice.Meanwhile, Students have been urged to comply with the directive to help curb the spread of the virus on campus. BY TIMES REPORTER
