Coronavirus: We are not evacuating Ghanaians in China Yet – MoH

Ministry of Health (MoH) has said that Ghanaians in China, particularly Wuhan city, are not going to be evacuated yet, as has been suggested by many. This l is a precautionary measure to the Novel coronavirus infection.

The ministry’s stance on not evacuating Ghanaians in China is premised on the fact that, the situation is under control and other measures are being taken to ensure the safety of Ghanaians in these affected areas from the coronavirus.

“We are working in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, West African Health Organisation, US Centres for Disease Control and other Development Partners, discussing and reviewing our strategies day by day. 

So far, all advice through consultations and engagements is not encouraging us to undertake mass evacuation as yet because of the following:

1. Sub regional consultation- the West African Health Organisation is engaging member states and has not recommended evacuation yet
2. Public Health principles in outbreak situations.”

In a press statement released on Wednesday, signed by the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman- Manu, and copied to ghananewsonline.com.gh he reassured the general public that Ghanaians in the affected areas are being taken good care of.

“We once again wish to reassure Ghanaians, especially parents and relatives of Ghanaians and in particular Ghanaians in Wuhan city and entire Hubei Province that our citizens are in good hands and are being taken care of. The Ghana embassy in China is in constant engagement with them and have been constantly updating us of events.”

Agyeman- Manu asserted that, notwithstanding all the measures being taken, the situation is being reviewed by the hour and when it becomes necessary, the ministry will tow the next line of action as appropriate, including evacuation.

The minister added that, other preparations have been made to ensure that Ghana is safe from the coronavirus outbreak.

“Key stakeholder engagements have been extensive and we have met all regional directors of health services, chief executive officers of the Teaching Hospitals, and reviewed their preparedness for emergency response following our alert to them and the Ministry is satisfied with preparations made across the regions so far.”

“Disease surveillance within the country and at the points of entry has been heightened, as we work in collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service and other Port Authorities.”.

Source: Jonas Danquah || ghananewsonline.com.gh