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A recent increase in COVID-19 cases has been confirmed by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who has attributed the bulk of infections to an epidemic on the University of Ghana campus.
Speaking to Parliament on Tuesday, July 1, the Minister stated that the Omicron strain was the main cause of the increase, with 107 instances verified out of 316 suspected samples.
“As of now, 316 suspected cases, 107 of those cases have been confirmed as COVID-19. Fortunately, no hospitalisations and no deaths,” he told Members of Parliament.
According to Mr. Akandoh, the infection is presently limited to the university community and has not substantially extended to other parts of Accra or the nation.
He attributed the increase in illnesses to recent Hall Week festivities on the Legon campus, when sizable crowds congregated with little regard for COVID-19 safety precautions.
“Mr. Speaker, after sending in a team to investigate, we found a few key issues that fuelled the spread. The most significant factor was the recent Hall Week celebrations held at the University. These events brought large crowds together, with little use of face masks or distancing,” he noticed.
A nationwide response team has been sent by the Ministry of Health to collaborate closely with university and local health officials in response. According to the Minister, discussions were also held with the heads of the School of Public Health, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, and the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service.
All upcoming hall week events on campus have been canceled as part of the containment measures. Health facilities across the country have also received alerts to be on guard.
To further encourage adherence to public health procedures, a campus-wide public education campaign has also been launched, utilizing university radio stations, student leadership platforms, and banners.
In particular, people who are due for booster injections should continue to exercise caution and follow preventive measures including washing their hands properly, using face masks in crowded places, and getting vaccinated, the Minister reminded public.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
