The Upper West Region has 18 active cases of Coronavirus disease. This is after several months with no active case.
The Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Damien Punguyire expressed worry that the number of active COVID-19 cases could quickly multiply.
This is because of the relaxed adherence to the COVID-19 health protocols.
He said during routine visits by the Ghana Health Service, it realized that most of the veronica buckets distributed to ensure regular handwashing at vantage points are empty. Residents are also showing clear apathy to the wearing of nose masks and ensuring social distancing.
The Upper West Region recorded its first Coronavirus case sometime last year and the number quickly rose to 88 along the line. Three of the 88 died while the remaining 85 were treated, discharged and re-integrated into society. There were no active cases in the Upper West Region for several months.
The region has however begun recording new cases of the virus with the current active cases standing at 18. Out of the 18, one has been admitted at the Upper West Regional COVID-19 centre while the rest are being treated in their various homes. The Upper West Regional Director of Health Services says this is a cause for worry.
“On our rounds unfortunately we have observed that everybody is relaxed. Nobody is talking about COVID-19 anymore. This is because they are not seeing the deaths, they are not seeing people falling sick. When you go to the market, you can see about a hundred people with only about three wearing a mask. Currently, you go to some of the shops, the veronica buckets are empty with no soap for washing of hands. I think that we need to get back to our previous situation of doing things,” he said.
He however mentioned that the Service is adequately prepared to manage all new cases that may emerge. The Medical Director at the Upper West Regional Hospital, Dr Robert Amesiya said the Hospital has put in adequate measures for the treatment of all cases of the disease. The Regional Hospital doubles as the COVID-19 Treatment and Management Centre. He said the facility has about 8 ventilators for severe cases of the disease. Dr Amesiya said the treatment of COVID-19 is expensive thus called for more financial support.
Meanwhile, the Upper West Region has set up a COVID-19 testing facility at the Wa Municipal Hospital. This means that samples of persons suspected to be carrying the diseases will not have to be sent to Tamale, Kumasi or Accra for testing as it used to be..
Story filed by Mark Smith