The Public Health Initiative Ghana is urging government to reconsider the easing of restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Per an observation made by the organisation the country risk being plunged into a state of emergency, with the spike in cases of the viral infection.
Founding Director for Public Health Initiative, Eric Kwasi Elliason, [FAISM] remarks that the easing of the restrictions on social gatherings was premature and could result in an exponential rise in the country’s case count. He continued that there exist some lapses with the enforcement of regulations or protocols outlined by government.
“Policy without enforcement is empty and void. To this end, enforcement of regulations or guidelines accompanying the ease of restrictions must be carried out in their strictest terms. If we ever politicize this and fail in this, Ghana will record astronomical increase in Covid-19 cases that may overwhelm our health structures and bring national emergencies which we are not prepared for” he noted.
Mr. Elliason suggested that government concentrate its effort at enhancing public knowledge on the disease, as it resources health institutions with adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
“With the partial ease of some restrictions to allow for some social gathering with limited numbers in the country amidst the appreciable level of increase in Covid-19 cases in Ghana, Public Health Initiative-Ghana wish to warn Government and the General Public that Ghana’s Covid-19 cases may rise exponentially since we consider the ease of some restrictions as premature. We strongly think the focus of Government should rather be on how to intensify public education on the virus, provision of adequate PPEs for front liners and enforcement of protocols instead of being in haste to resume social lives and easing restrictions” he added.
Caution to Churches and Religious bodies
The Public Health Initiative further cautioned religious bodies to exercise restraint in opening up their place of worship to the public. The organisation suggests these institutions put in place the necessary preventive measures and enhanced hygienic facilities to mitigate the risk of spreading the infection.
“We wish to caution religious bodies not to be in a rush to utilize the ease of restrictions because of the associated high risk factors and the inadequate preparedness to handle any eventualities. Religious bodies should put the lives of the congregation first. They should ensure to follow the necessary protocols before opening their churches and mosques. There is the public outcry of the numerical limitation and the one hour given for religious activities. We don’t think God will be angry with us if we don’t even go to church or mosque now” Mr. Elliason noted.
He urged government to prioritize the training of COVID-19 Response Team constituted by the various churches, mosques and other religious bodies, so they better manage an incidence.
“We strongly think that Government and other relevant stakeholders should organize COVID-19 simulation training for COVID-19 Response Teams to be established by the various churches and mosques. This will help them deal adequately with COVID-19 emergencies and suspected cases”