Five COVID-19 hotspots in Kumasi metropolis to undergo mass testing
Five COVID-19 hotspots in Kumasi metropolis to undergo mass testing
Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has identified five areas in the Kumasi metropolis as prone to the fast spreading of Coronavirus(COVID-19).
The directorate has therefore, rolled out a programme to undertake mass testing for the disease in the areas.
Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr Emmanuel Tinkorang disclosed this to the Ghanaian Times here, Friday saying, “We have identified some hotspots communities,” but declined to mention the areas.
“We are doing mass testing for residents in those areas,” he said adding, “So if your sample is requested for testing, don’t be hesitant because it’s for your own safety.”
“The earlier the virus is identified, the easier the treatment,” he appealed.
It is on record that out of the 214 confirmed COVID-19 cases and five deaths recorded in the country so far, Kumasi accounts for nine of them, making it the third city with the highest cases after Accra and Tamale.
Similarly, two of the five deaths were also recorded in Kumasi.
Dr Tinkorang said that they were currently following about 200 contacts which had been traced to have had had contact with infected persons.
He was worried that some people were not adhering to the lockdown directives in Kumasi.
“We still see that people do not want to adhere to the lockdown directives. It is in your own interest to stay home because anytime you step outside, you are posing risk to others.
“Adhering to the lockdown directives is the easiest way to contain the virus,” he advised.
Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Security Council has intensified security measures to ensure public compliance with the two-week lockdown which began on Monday in Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi.
The partial lockdown was imposed by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as part of measures being taken by government to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE,KUMASI
