Akufo-Addo extends coronavirus lockdown as cases jump to 378
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has added another week to the initial partial lockdown period imposed in some parts of the country to contain the spreading coronavirus.
The decision was made based on the increasing positive cases which have totalled 378 with six deaths and four recoveries. Most of the infections came from community spread.
President Akufo-Addo rallied Ghanaians to stay on course, and bear with the difficulties for the greater good of “freedom from the virus”.
He made this known in his sixth update to the nation on measures being undertaken by the government to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
By another Executive Instrument, Mr Akufo-Addo said the government was “extending the restriction of movement in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area and Kasoa and the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area and its contiguous districts by one more week”.
This takes effect from 1 am on April 13, subject to review.
The extension is likely to be modelled on the first announcement of the partial lockdown, which was announced on March 27.
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Individuals performing non-essential services are required to stay indoors, but are permitted to move out to buy food, medicine, visit the bank for a transaction or go to the public toilet.
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He said 79% of the confirmed cases were imported.
Due to the development, “Until we have the situation fully under control, we cannot, at this time open our borders, we’ll have to remain shut until further notice”.
Mr Akufo-Addo pointed out the partial lockdown had facilitated contact tracing with 450 teams participating in the exercise.
10,000 additional samples are expected to be tested soon and the results will determine the next line of action by the government.