Don't Be Scared Of Coronavirus; Just Take Your Daily Precautions Serious — Tourism Authority

The Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Akwasi Agyeman has called on the public to just take necessary precautions in their day-to-day engagements and not to be afraid of the deadly Coronavirus.

According to him, although the industry is suffering, measures are been put in place to ensure stimulus packages are worked out.

Addressing the media in Accra, he said "We are monitoring globally as there has been cand up 9ancellations of flight3 and hotel bookings. Without counting, this should tell that there is a drop and the industry is suffering."

The Acting Chief Executive Officer also mentioned that financial and regulatory challenges are a few among other problems facing operators in the Hotel and Tourism industry.

He disclosed that the Authority has set up a committee called 'Corona Alert Committee' which will be meeting with operators and come up with a position paper for government to consider.

He pointed that since many companies have employed workers and are expanding their businesses, low patronages of their services will cause them to close down.

Speaking on measures at screening people who enter Ghana via borders, the Acting CEO revealed that some equipment have been provided to help check the virus.

"The nature of the virus is very tricky. It is difficult to tell who has high temperature. The media must be in the front line educating the masses on the virus," he emphasised.

Mr. Agyeman tasked the media to be circumspect on its reportage adding that misinformation will cause more fear and panic among foreign nations as well as locals.

He clarified that the coronavirus did not affect the year of return rather coming at the back of beyond the return.

The Acting Chief Executive Officer also disclosed that it is worrying the vast spread of the virus has many countries restricting movement of flights which in the end will result in huge lose in their hotel and tourism industry.

"We have already heard and seen alot. We are only counting on the Ghana Health Service but per the words of President Akufo-Addo last night, we feel emboldened that nothing will happen," he intimated.

In areas of the kitchen, the Ghana Tourism Authority says it is advising workers to always wear their protective gear.

He was positive that GTA will be checking staff health certification of hotels and tourist sites at their various assemblies.