Editorial
RISING COVID-19 ACTIVE CASES
It is becoming increasingly worrying that when it was thought that COVID-19 active cases had come as low as between 300 and 400, unexpectedly it started rising again.
The rising active cases have become a major source of concern to the leadership of the country as was pointed out by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his latest address on the pandemic to the nation. So worried was the President that he made it clear that “if the active cases continue to rise, he would have no option but to bring the country under partial lockdown as was experienced some time last year.
According to him active cases has moved from 900 last week to 1,924 this week. Indeed, the country experiences 200 new cases daily: This is very alarming.
The cases have started rising because many people no longer keep to the COVID -19 safety protocols. These include social distancing, use of nose masks, washing of hands frequently and using hand sanitisers as often as possible.
It was pointed out by President Akufo-Addo that “two weeks ago there was no critical case but we now have 33. This is very unfortunate.”
As a country we were doing very well until quite recently when the cases started rising again. During the Christmas celebrations the safety protocols were thrown overboard and this could be attributed to the current situation.
We, therefore, need to go back to the times when the safety protocols were taken seriously by all with the exception of a few unconcerned people, to ensure that the pandemic is brought under control once again.
With regard to the current wave of infection, those severely ill are youthful persons without underlying health issues. This is in contrast to previous times when those severely affected were people within the old age bracket.
Everybody in the country must take up the issue seriously and help in the fight against the pandemic since lives, when lost, cannot be revived. Simply put, life has no substitute.
It is the duty of the President to play his part to protect all Ghanaians but at the same time every individual also has a part to play in order to make assurances of our safety double sure.
The situation is gradually growing from bad to worse because deaths have now moved from 338 to 352 and that 13 out of the 16 regions have recorded active cases.
We all have a role to play to bring the pandemic under control. As the President rightly pointed out, our goal should be the attainment of zero recording of the disease.
It is only when we’re able to attain this that we can say we have fought a good battle and won, and then all Ghanaians will be the winners.
Dear Editor
I wish to express my concern about the recent discussions about the relationship between Ghana and South Africa following the evacuation of some Ghanaian citizens from South Africa due to xenophobic attacks and other security concerns.
Many Ghanaians are wondering why South Africans continue to enjoy business and investment opportunities in Ghana when our own citizens have, at times, faced hostility and discrimination in their country.
While Ghana has always been known for its hospitality and peaceful coexistence with foreigners, some citizens believe that there should be fairness and mutual respect between the two nations.
It is worrying that after Ghana had to evacuate its citizens for their safety, there appears to be little assurance that similar incidents will not occur again.
As a result, many people are asking what benefits Ghana derives from maintaining such an open-door policy toward South African businesses and interests.
However, it is important that any concerns are addressed through diplomacy and dialogue rather than hostility.
Both countries are key partners in Africa and should work together to promote the safety, welfare, and economic advancement of their citizens.
I urge the governments of Ghana and South Africa to strengthen bilateral relations and ensure that citizens of both nations are treated with dignity and respect wherever they reside.
Daisy Owusu,
Accra
Editorial
EditorialTake precautions against water-borne diseases, reptiles invasion in rainy seasonEditorial
The rains have set in again with its attendant problems, especially water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases.
As a result, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is cautioning the public to take preventive measures against water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever.
The GHS claims that these illnesses frequently thrive when it starts to rain. According to a statement signed by the GHS Director-General Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea flooding and unsanitary circumstances during the rainy season frequently contaminate water sources with faeces, increasing the spread of waterborne illnesses.
In order to protect oneself during this season, one must prevent mosquitoes from breeding and make sure that food and water are safe because contracting the aforementioned diseases is a major problem that causes discomfort.
Eliminating standing water near residences is one way to prevent mosquitoes from growing there. This is especially important when it comes to standing water gathered in abandoned containers, old tyres, cans, and other waste objects.
It is also best to use bed nets and insect repellant, drink only boiling or filtered water, and wash your hands frequently under running water with soap.
The Spectator supports GHS’s recommendation that people properly wash fruits and vegetables grown close to water bodies with clean water and salt or vinegar before consuming them because they can become polluted during the rainy season and provide major health concerns.
Some people have a habit of purchasing food carelessly, but they should stop and only purchase food from respectable and hygienic suppliers.
Additionally, food vendors are required to separate raw foods from cooked or ready-to-eat meals, procure food items from recognised sources, and adhere to stringent food safety regulations during food preparation and storage.
It is recommended to get medical help right once if someone exhibits signs of disease.
We implore the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) to make sure food handlers have current health certificates so they can work.
Flooding during the rainy season, which may drive reptiles from their native habitats and increase human contact, is another problem the Service disclosed.
In order to reduce hiding spots for reptiles and other dangerous animals, it is recommending homeowners to keep doors and windows closed whenever possible, remove bushes from their homes, and lift items off the ground.
The Spectator is urging the public to cooperate as the GHS and the Ministry of Health (MoH) pledge to safeguard citizens’ health and welfare in order to help stop disease outbreaks during the rainy season.
