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Don’t use face shield without nose masks
The use of face shield is gradually gaining root in the country as some use it as facial protection to prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
It has now become more fashionable for people to use the face shield, especially women who think that because the shield is a transparent plastic cover, their makeup could still be visible.
While some say they feel more comfortable in the face shield compared with the nose mask, others claim they cannot wear the nose mask because of underlying medical conditions hence the use of the face shield only or none at all.
However, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and the Ghana Chapter of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) have expressed concern over the use of face shield without masks as protection from COVID-19 and have described the practice as “very dangerous.”
In a press statement jointly signed by Prof. Peter Donkor, 1st Vice-President and Country Representative of WACS and Dr Frank Ankobea, President of GMA, the two bodies have warned the public to desist from that practise with immediate effect as it would rather lead to increased cases of COVID-19 in the country.
Although the face shield covers the face, it does not wrap around the face nor extend below the chin but there is space at the sides, the top and the bottom. The shield is not close to the face; therefore, it makes the wearer vulnerable to contracting the virus as it is spread through droplets.
Instead of using the face shield, members of the GMA and WACS have advised the public to rather use nose masks at all times since according to scientific evidence, the use of face shield alone (without a nose mask) does not protect the user from COVID-19 as there is potential airborne spread of the virus.
The statement again urged the public to disregard “unsubstantiated reports on some social media platforms about a decrease in blood oxygen concentration as well as a buildup of carbon dioxide when one uses a mask” because as doctors, they wear face masks all the time during work but have not observed any such thing.
The Spectator commends the GMA and WACS for their timely education on this practice as the public is ignorant of the dangers associated with using face shield without a mask and pleads with the public to adhere strictly to this directive by wearing the nose masks at all times.
Although the wearing of nose masks is now mandatory in Ghana some people still refuse to comply with the directive given by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and their actions endanger the lives of others.
We fervently appeal to the authorities to ensure that this directive is strictly adhered to, to ensure public health, safety and protection.
Organisations, companies, institutions and shop owners among others should also enforce the “No mask-No entry” policy to help curb the spread of the virus which is increasing at an alarming rate. Currently, confirmed cases are 25,430 with 21, 511 recoveries/discharges and 139 deaths.
As an individual, there is the need to cooperate and once you step out of your home ensure that you wear a nose mask, even if you use a face shield.
Also, ensure that you wash your reusable nose mask regularly and iron it and clean or disinfect face shield after use. If you use a disposable nose mask wrap it well with tissue after use and dispose of it appropriately in a bin.
Remember, COVID-19 is no respecter of person so besides the wearing of face mask and shield, observe social distancing, wash your hands regularly with soap under running water, use sanitiser, and avoid shaking hands.
So, use both the face shield and nose mask as protection from COVID-19.
Troubled and anxious citizens in Damongo of the Savannah Region have expressed concerns about the number of young people, believed to be under the age of 18, involved in ‘shisha’ smoking in pubs and drinking spots within the township.
Eyewitnesses say the minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, where Shisha smoking happen in the open.
The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing the operations of entertainment centres in the municipality and country as a whole.
An eyewitness, who spoke to The Spectator on conditions of anonymity for security reasons, noted that the situation was becoming increasingly common.
“This is not a one-off incident. It is becoming very common, but residents like us cannot openly report or speak about it because our lives will be at risk,” he said.
Under Ghanaian law, minors were prohibited from patronising Shisha.
Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.
The residents believe the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations and have called on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.
In an effort to address the menace, Mr Salisu Be-Awurbi, the Savannah Regional Minister, has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions to address the rising use of illicit substances in the region.
Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, the Chief of Damongo, has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse, warning that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious health threat to the future of the youth in the Savannah Region.
He also cautioned individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, stressing that offenders will face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
From Geoffrey Buta, Damongo, Savannah Region
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Dr Theresa Baffour, an advocate for ending violence and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SAHM SAHW Foundation, has said that society plays a critical and pivotal role in breaking the cycle of domestic violence.
According to her, domestic violence is a major contributor of making women, who are mostly the victims, mentally derailed and unable to engage in economic activities.
She said this when the foundation called on the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to solicit support for the initiative by the “Strong and Healthy Minds, Strong and Healthy Women” (SAHM SAHW) to combat domestic violence within the Ga State.
The visit was occasioned by the fact that domestic violence cases have become quite prevalent in the Ga communities and is retarding growth.
According to her, the canker was an impediment to national development because the victims were usually tortured and would have to go through series of therapies to return to the right state of mind.
Dr Baffour mentioned that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) places a mental toll on women, and was, therefore, important to break the cycle through comprehensive mental health support, crisis intervention and empowerment programmes in communities with high rates of GBV.
This intervention, she underscored, would help in empowering the denigrated victim of domestic violence to soundly heal, build and thrive.
Dr Baffour added that the initiative would provide holistic, trauma-informed mental health care and advocacy for young women affected by domestic violence.
According to her, the above statement would create safe spaces for healing and equipping them with entrepreneurial skills for renewed hope and empowered life.
The Ga Mantse pledged his support for the laudable initiative to combat domestic violence and also acknowledged the need to address it in the Ga State.
Further endorsement came from Justice Julia Naa-Yarley Adjei Amoah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Ga Mantse, as she commended the team of SAHM SAHW Foundation for taking a bold step to end the canker in the Greater Accra.
She added that it was a step in the right direction to save vulnerable women from torture, stress and emotional abuse.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
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