Responding To Covid-19, Moving Forward

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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY GPHA ON RESPONDING TO COVID-19, MOVING FORWARD

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1. Taking cognizance of the good performance of the National Covid-19 response in terms of declining active cases (over 95% recovery rate) and low mortality rate (0.5%);
2. Appreciating the clearance of the current backlog of samples to be tested within 3 days;
3. Recognizing the larger socio-economic implications of Covid-19 pandemic on the country;
4. Noting with concern, however, the escalating rise of reported Covid-19 cases in the USA, Europe, and across Latin America;
5. Taking cognizance of the initial surge in Covid-19 cases in Ghana when our borders were still open for international travelers, without putting in place proper systems to test and quarantine them; and
6. Recognizing the ongoing discussion concerning the possible reopening of the international borders and pre-tertiary institutions.

The GPHA makes the following recommendations, as our contribution to the discussions, based on current data and experiences elsewhere, and in order not to destroy the modest gains chalked so far:

1. International travelers from Europe, the USA, and Latin America should still not country. The risk is still too high.
2. International travelers from low incidence countries can be allowed entry conditions:
   • Should undertake Covid-19 PCR testing, not more than a week before emplaning with a certificate,
     of proof;
   • Should have mandatary rapid antigen-based testing at the port of entry in Ghana at their own cost!
   • Should be quarantined for the duration of waiting for laboratory test results while waiting for
     test results;
   • lf found to be positive, the travelers should be compulsorily isolated as per national protocol at their own cost.
   • Those found to be negative should be discharged home but continue self-quarantine for the rest
     of the 14 days as per policy.
3. Pre-tertiary schools, except nursery to basic class 6, can be re-opened following all safety protocols. lt will be almost impossible to ensure that safety protocols are adhered to among the nursery and basic class 6 children.
4. Government should beef up resources to regions and districts to adequately prepare and respond to any surge in suspected or confirmed cases.

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