President Nana Akufo-Addo has deplored deliberate dissemination of fake news, disinformation and in some cases outright lies about the spread of the Coronavirus in the country.
According to him, government has been compelled to engage in fights on other fronts as it battles to halt the spread of the virus.
These acts of misinformation, he said, are orchestrated by people seeking to sow seeds of panic and confusion amongst the populace at this time of national crises and hoping to benefit from the outbreak of the disease.
“I have an unequivocal message for those involved in these despicable acts, put an immediate stop to it, or be held accountable for your actions,” he warned.
The President, during his 7th televised address to the state on the coronavirus pandemic assured that being infected by the virus is not a death sentence.
He expressed concerns about stories where persons who have recovered from the COVID-19 are being confronted with stigmatization.
“This is not right, as it will rather drive people away from getting screened, tested and treated,” he said.
The President demanded an immediate stop to the situation and lamented that if the virus did not end their lives and livelihoods, the stigma from members of the communities should not.
Since the first two cases of infections were recorded the government has traced 86,000 contacts, out of which the test results of 68,591 contacts have been received with a backlog of 18,000.
1,042 persons out of this number, i.e. 1.5%, have been confirmed positive of the coronavirus and 67,549, i.e. 98.5%, testing negative.
99 persons have recovered and have been discharged while 930 persons, who have been isolated, are responding to treatment either in their homes or in treatment facilities.
These 930 persons, after their treatment, will undergo the mandatory two tests to determine if they have also recovered from the virus or otherwise.
99 persons have fully recovered and discharged from quarantine while 9 persons, with underlying medical conditions, have died from the COVID-19.
President Akufo-Addo also announced the lifting of restriction of movement in some areas in Accra and Kumasi, and stressed the imposition was backed by data and that the next course of action again is backed by data and by science.
Government decisions in the present circumstance, he said, is intended to achieve five key objects that include to limit and stop the importation of the virus and to contain its spread.
To provide adequate care for the sick, limit the impact of the virus on social and economic life, and inspire the expansion of domestic capability and deepen self-reliance.
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By: Uthman A. Marani/Frontpageghana.com/Ghana
