Stacy Marr

Response to COVID-19

It’s been nearly five months since the first reported outbreak of the coronavirus in the United States. Now, the world has transformed before our eyes. COVID-19 has taken over, and we wonder, when will it be safe to gather again?

The Government’s Response in Ghana

On March 23, Ghana responded to the coronavirus by closing all borders: land, sea, and air. All travelers arriving in Ghana (before the lockdown and closure of airports) are tested for the virus and quarantined for fourteen days. Certain roads throughout Ghana are now closed to prevent the spread of the virus.

In a country that is the size of Oregon in the United States and has a population of over 32 million, it has had 5,735 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 29 deaths.*

COVID-19 in Tamale, Ghana

In the Northern region, there are 31 cases, and 10 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Tamale.

The infected individuals in Tamale are from Guinea and Burkina Faso. These individuals were in the city for business after traveling through Burkina Faso and Togo. Officials quarantined them at their hotel and tested the hotel staff.

At one point, a Guinean woman from the quarantined group escaped from the hotel in the early morning hours. She was found and detained in Accra a few days later.

Restrictions on Large Gatherings

President Nana Akufo-Addo is receiving praise for his swift response to the health crisis and his poignant messages to the people.

The president imposed strict social distancing measures, including bans on gatherings at mosques, churches, and city markets, and on large weddings and funerals until further notice. Schools are closed until further notice.

Communal living and celebrations are integral to the Dagomba tribe, who live in the northern region.

It’s not uncommon to see enormous gatherings at weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies.

While this government order has been tenacious, it’s necessary to help flatten the curve of the virus.

Minister Offers Help

One of the government’s ministers visited the Sahanaayili Village and met with Chief Suale and the village’s people. Ministers meet with chiefs to assess necessities, especially during a state of emergency.

The minister provided hand-washing stations to Sahanaayili village and placed them throughout the community. They also placed a hand-washing station along the roadside for frequent travelers.

Not everyone has access to clean, running water, so these hand-washing stations are vital in protecting people against the virus.

A Nurse Visits the Sahanaayili Village

Two weeks ago, a nurse visited the village to discuss COVID-19. He discussed factual information about the virus and offered best practices for the pandemic. The nurse also handed out pamphlets and hand sanitizers to the group.

The nurse’s demonstration was especially important since it provided preventative practices for the community. This is crucial since the nearest doctor and hospital are over an hour away from the city of Sahanaayili.

Lifting of Restrictions

On April 20, the lockdown’s partial restrictions eased. Some criticized the president’s decision, fearing that easing restrictions could cause a surge in infections.

There was a spike in recent cases, but this was partly due to a backlog of samples at laboratories testing for the virus.

Enhanced testing and contact tracing have also become prevalent, which may also contribute to the growing number of cases.

What has worked in Ghana’s favor is the government’s swift action, using its own emergency funding versus waiting for international aid, and fast, extensive testing.

Drones Helping Combat COVID-19

Ghana is the first country to use drones to test for COVID-19 in remote locations.

The drones provide quick delivery of samples from rural areas, which normally would take several hours.

Using drones can save hours, even days, in providing test results, and offers a quick response to individuals who test positive for the virus.**

Gratitude

With the government’s help and outreach to rural areas, there have been no COVID-19 cases in the Sahanaayili village so far.

While remaining vigilant, it’s imperative to continue educating about the virus (and how it develops) as well as hygiene and beneficial healthcare practices in place.

During these ever-changing times, I’m grateful for the healthcare and essential workers who are serving so many around the world. It is with deep appreciation that I express my gratitude for their assistance and tireless service during the pandemic. Thank you!

Come Together

It’s clear now, more than ever, that we realize how connected we are through our shared humanity. Let us move forward and create a world where we uplift and empower one another with a newfound sense of community.

Take care and be well.

Stacy

* Statistics from May 2020.

**Time Magazine – Drones Are Delivering COVID-19 Tests in Ghana.