Ghana eases lockdown after increasing Covid-19 screenings

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has lifted traffic restrictions in parts of the country that were partially confined and urged citizens to wear face masks when facing the coronavirus.

Other restrictions, such as banning rallies and closing schools, will remain in effect, while border posts will continue closed down for two more weeks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The president said the move follows a better understanding of the nature of the virus, a successful fight against its spread, a strengthened screening program, and the expansion of isolation and treatment centers.

In Tthe capital of the country, Accra, the second-largest city Kumasi, and the industrial city of Tema were placed in lockdown for three weeks to stem the outbreak of coronavirus.

The West African country has now recorded 1,042 confirmed cases of covid-19 and 9 deaths as of today. More than 60,000 samples have been collected and tested in the country. The majority of confirmed cases were from travelers or people who could have come into contact with travelers.

The Ghanaian government has introduced the use of drones to speed up sample delivery and a new rapid test program for results. The country has also increased the local production of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Authorities said they would continue to monitor the spread of the disease in the country and impose containment of risk areas if necessary.