Press Release: Update on Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19)
The Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service has received news of the confirmation of the first case of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria, a sub-regional neighbour on 27th February, 2020.
We wish to take the opportunity to reassure Ghanaians that we will continue to intensify our preparedness activities and heighten surveillance at all points of entry to ensure that all citizens are safe and secured.
Meanwhile, we entreat the general public to stick to the following precautionary measures:
- Regularly wash hands with soap under running water or if possible use hand sanitizers regularly
- Practice common cough/sneezing etiquette such as covering of mouth with handkerchief or tissue paper when coughing or sneezing
- If you have recently arrived from any of the countries that have reported a case, we advise you stay away from crowd (self-quarantine) for at least 14 days.
- In cases of persistent cough or fever, contact the call centre for assistance on these lines;
- 055 2222 004
- 055 2222 005
- 050 9497700
- 055 8439 868
- Do not visit any health centre/facility on your own if you have just returned from any of the affected countries, and you are exhibiting symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Call the numbers above for assistance.
- We will also entreat citizens to temporary avoid non-essential visit to affected countries.
In order to streamline communications and to avoid creating fear and panic, we advise the media to speak to only designated experts whose contact has been given below:
The Director General, Ghana Health Service-Dr. Patrick Kuma-Abaoagye The Director Public Health -Dr. Badu Sarkodie
The Deputy Director, Disease Surveillance Dept.-Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe The Port Health Coordinator-Dr. Dennis Laryea