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Virologist asks govt to institute localised lockdown
A virologist at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR), Dr Michael Owusu, has asked the government to institute localised lockdowns in COVID-19 hotspots across the country.
He noted that the virus was running ahead of the nation and the only way to prevent the health system from being completely overwhelmed was to impose restrictions since the country’s state in relation to the pandemic was not as being reflected from the government.
Commenting on the development, Dr Owusu cautioned that “the figures have become a cause for concern as many fear issues may spiral out of control and if drastic and critical steps are not taken immediately to stop the rapid infection rate, a catastrophe will soon hit the country and issues will get out of hand”.
The virologist insisted that the government has to restrict the movement of persons to stem the infection rate and he believes that is the only sure way of reducing the rate of infections as there were people who had tested positive but were still going about their daily activities.
“I know people who are positive but still going to work, if a lockdown is imposed they will have no option than to stay home, if this is not done and more people, including health workers get infected and die, it can lead to the country being swamped by the virus since morale in health workers can be affected,” Dr Owusu warned.
Contributing to the discussion, Dr Ernest Yorke, the President of the Greater Accra Chapter of the Ghana Medical Association bemoaned the government’s painting a picture of everything being rosy when it was not saying “Ghana stands a chance of losing everything if the direction is not changed in COVID-19 management in our country and I also support the call of a localised lockdown.
“The government will, however, want to weigh the social and political impact of such a measure before going for it but am sure if a decisive move is not taken soon, the country will lose all gains made so far,” he cautioned.
The government has fought off claims that the figures are being massaged to create a good picture. -myjoyonline.com
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
