Ghana Health Service steps up efforts to curb rising covid infection at KIA
In accordance with the Ghana Health Service disclosure on how to tackle Covid-19 during this festive season, the service has taken steps to review the Covid-19 protocols for international travellers at the Kotoka International Airport.
This situation follows reports of increased cases at the KIA and anticipation that it could further scale up during this festive season.
“Globally, several countries are experiencing their fourth wave. A number of travellers from these countries come to Ghana, and this is expected to increase during the festive season. This current surge in Covid-19 cases is being reflected at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).”
“In November 2020, 168 cases were detected compared to 241 cases in November 2021, an increase of over 40%. We have since been recording an average of 20 positive cases a day at KIA.”
Presently, 34 cases of the Omicron variant has been recorded in Ghana, though the Ghana Health Service reports that no community transmission has been reported of the variant.
“Over the last two weeks, cases from airport account for about 60% of the total cases recorded in the country.”
“The current increase in cases together with the detection of the Omicron variant among international arrivals and the expected increase during the festive season calls for urgent actions to prevent a major surge in Covid-19 cases in Ghana.”
The GHS in order to curb a surge in cases has thus issued the following directives effective midnight of December 12, 2021, and it includes
Travellers to Ghana
• All persons 18 years and above arriving in Ghana will be required to provide evidence of full vaccination for a Covid-19.
• All unvaccinated Ghanaians and residents of Ghana who are currently outside the country and intend to return within 14 days from the midnight of 12th December 2021 are exempted.
However, they would be vaccinated on arrival at the airport.
Travelling Out of Ghana
All Ghanaians travelling out of the country are to be fully vaccinated effective midnight 12th December 2021.
Read the full directive from the Ghana Health Service below.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
