COVID-19 surge: TMA adopts stringent measures

Mr. Frank Asante, Public Relations Manager at the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) on Monday revealed that due to the recent upsurge in COVID-19 across the country, the Assembly has upscaled measures to control the spread within the metropolis.

Some of the precautionary measures to curb the upsurge of COVID-19 in the Metropolis were members of the public attending mass gatherings including churches, mosques, funeral ceremonies, and social events were advised to wear a prescribed face mask.

Such persons are to strictly observe all the COVID-19 safety protocols of regular hand washing, application of hand sanitizers, and social distancing, Mr Asante told the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) in an interview in Tema.

Mr. Asante said a meeting conducted under the leadership of the Metropolitan Chief Executive reviewed data provided by the Tema Metropolitan Health Committee, which indicated that statistics available from the Metro Health Directorate confirmed an upsurge in reported COVID-19 cases in the Metropolis.

He said as a result institutions such as factories, banks, offices, shops, and others have been tasked to ensure that their staff, clients, and other stakeholders that patronize their domain, comply strictly with the COVID-19 safety protocols adding that this responsibility was clearly contained in the Public Health Act 2012, Act 851.

Mr Asante said the TMA on its part, has intensified public education on preventive measures in markets, communities as well as other public places.

“We entreat everyone to frequently wash their hands with soap under running water for 20 seconds, use hand sanitizers, and cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.”

The PRO also advised the public to report symptoms to the nearest health care facility for immediate attention, while encouraging residents to call at any of the public health facilities for the COVID-19 Vaccination.