Coronavirus updates As it happens (2020-04-01)
Apr 2, 2020
Covid-19 Lockdown: NDC Decries Molestation Of Civilians
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says, it is saddened by the molestation of security personnel on civilians amid a partial lockdown in some parts of the country.
The Two weeks partial lockdown by President Akufo-Addo covers Greater Accra, greater Greater Kumasi and Awutu Senya East Constituency in the Central Region.
Apr 1, 2020
Pence: US virus model looks like Italy
US appears on similar trajectory to Italy, warns Vice-President Pence
Apr 1, 2020
US has 200,000 confirmed virus cases
The US now has more than 200,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University.
The number stands at 203,608. Italy has the second highest number with more than 110,000 cases.
Apr 1, 2020
Johnson: This is a sad, sad day for the UK
By BBC News
Boris Johnson has said today's confirmation of 563 more coronavirus deaths marks a "sad, sad day" for the UK in a video posted on his Twitter account.
The PM, who is self-isolating in Downing Street after testing positive for the virus himself last week, said his thoughts were with the families of the victims.
He also said "massively increasing" testing will be the key to allowing the UK to "unlock the coronavirus puzzle" and "defeat it in the end".
Apr 1, 2020
Alcohol sales surge in US, research suggests
By BBC News
Sales of alcohol have reportedly spiked in the US, where almost three out of four people are now under some form of lockdown.
Online sales of alcoholic drinks more than tripled last week (up 243% compared to the same time period the year before), according to market research firm Nielsen.
Shops sales also rose by 55% the research suggested - with tequila and gin named as the most popular tipples.
In the UK, some online wine merchants had been forced to suspend orders "due to unprecedented demand" after pubs and clubs were told to close.
But British off-licences have been told they can stay open - after being added to the list of essential businesses.
It came as some British supermarkets placed a limit on the amount of alcohol products shoppers can buy at one time after their supplies kept running dry.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, the sale of alcohol has been banned.
Apr 1, 2020
Coronavirus: Top South African HIV scientist Gita Ramjee dies
By BBC News
Tributes are being paid to world-renowned South African scientist Gita Ramjee, who has died from Covid-19-related complications.
"She dedicated many years of her life to finding HIV prevention solutions for women," her colleague and friend Gavin Churchyard told the BBC.
Head of UNAids Winnie Byanyima said Prof Ramjee's death was a huge loss at a time when the world needed her most.
South Africa has the largest number of people living with HIV in the world.
The country has begun a three-week lockdown as part of efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Apr 1, 2020
Corona Virus : Its True Origin And History
The Caucus for Democratic Governance, Ghana (CDG--Gh), through its research and its attempt to help arrest and deport COVID-19 from Ghana, has come across vital information, which might be of interest to Ghanaians
VARYING SUGGESTIONS
We were originally given to understand, that the virus originated from the transfusions from snakes and bats. Others suggested it came from Chinese biological weapons. Yet others suggested it was from the fish markets conditions in Wuhan. Be it as it may, the correct origin which goes beyond these assertions is left to the discretion of the individual.
Apr 1, 2020
COVID-19: NGOs urge Gov’t to warn Security Agencies against brutalities
Some five Non-Governmental Organisations in Ghana have expressed serious displeasure at the unprofessional manner some military and police personnel deployed for enforcement of the ongoing partial lockdown are abusing some civilians.
After two days of monitoring and assessing the 14 days partial lockdown declared by the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the NGOs say there is the urgent need for the Government to call the security operatives to order and stop them from brutalizing citizens including women and children.
Apr 1, 2020
COVID-19: 43 Persons Traced In Upper West Quarantined
Some 43 persons who had come into contact with the first Covid-19 patient in the Upper West region have been traced, identified and placed under surveillance for effective monitoring, the regional minister, Hafiz Bin Salih has disclosed.
He therefore assured the people of the region of government’s preparedness to implement the necessary measures to curb the spread of the virus as more contact tracing was being conducted in order to keep the region safe.
Apr 1, 2020
'Rambo' Soldier Recalled To Barracks Over Assault
The Ghana Armed Forces on Wednesday said it has withdrawn the soldier who allegedly assaulted a civilian back to the barracks for further investigation.
General Officer Commanding Southern Command, Kpeshie, Brigadier General A.Y. Nsiah, speaking at a media briefing in Accra, on enhanced measures put in place to enforce the restriction of movements, said the videos circulating on the social media of mass brutality of civilians by soldiers was false.