COVID-19: Health Ministry orders Ghanaians to wear face mask at all times
- The wearing of masks is now compulsory for all Ghanaians
- The directive is part of government’s effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 in Ghana
- The Health Minister says face mask should be used in all public places where social distancing will be difficult
- Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in
Ghanaians have been directed by the Health Ministry to wear face masks at all times, especially when visiting public places where social distancing cannot be observed.
The directive from the ministry is backed by law, Act, 2012 (Act 851). Section 170(1) of the Act, mandates the Minister with powers to order an individual to take a preventive measure in respect of public health matters.
READ ALSO: COVID-19 update: Ghana records 155 recoveries from coronavirus
To this extent, the Ghana Health Service stated that in its quest to prevent the spread of the pandemic, it is directing the wearing of face masks “in all public places where it may be difficult to maintain social distancing”.
According to a statement signed by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the public is encouraged to wear the face mask whether sick or not.
The statement also noted that incorrect use of the mask carries a high risk of infection.
Also, citizens have been urged to continue abiding by the protocols which will help curb the spread of the virus by staying indoors, cleaning hands with soap and water, or use of an alcohol-based sanitizer before putting on a mask.
“They must ensure that the mask fully covers the mouth and nose with no gaps between the face and the mask. Avoid touching the mask after you have worn it,” it directed.
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The statement added that removing the mask, the finger must be used by passing it through the loop behind one ear as a touch of the front of the mask is prohibited.
Ghana’s COVID-19 case count currently stands at 1, 550 with 11 deaths and 155 recoveries.
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that the data from the Ghana Health Service also revealed that Ghana’s initial cases of COVID-19 were all imported.
However, the GHS data indicates that 18% of the positive cases have a travel history, the remaining 82% have no clear history of travel.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
