Ghana confirms first cases of coronavirus
A significant development!
Yes, you're correct. On March 12, 2020, Ghana confirmed its first cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The cases were reported in the Greater Accra region, which is the country's capital and largest city.
According to the Ghana Health Service, the two individuals who tested positive for the virus were a 61-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man, both of whom had recently traveled to Norway and the United States, respectively. They were admitted to the University of Ghana Medical School Hospital in Accra for treatment and isolation.
The Ghanaian government immediately took swift action to contain the spread of the virus, including:
- Activating the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMA) to coordinate the response.
- Implementing enhanced surveillance and contact tracing.
- Increasing the number of testing centers and personnel.
- Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare workers.
- Restricting travel to and from affected areas.
- Encouraging social distancing measures, such as avoiding large gatherings and maintaining a safe distance from others.
Ghana's swift response has been praised by the international community, and the country has been working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health authorities to combat the pandemic.
As of now, Ghana has reported a total of 53,000 cases, with 323 deaths and 51,000 recoveries. While the situation is still evolving, Ghana's response has been commended for its effectiveness in slowing the spread of the virus.