The Asante-Akim South Municipal Assembly as part of efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus among the population, has embarked on a free distribution of nose masks across the Municipality.

The first phase of the exercise seeks to provide at least a nose mask each, to 30,000 people in the Municipality with priority being given to high risk groups such as market women, drivers, barbers, hairdressers and other persons who come into contact with many people daily.

In line with its response plan to the pandemic, the Assembly also intends to facilitate easy access to nose masks by a larger portion of the citizenry by procuring more nose masks for distribution.

All the masks are being produced by local tailors and seamstresses as a deliberate policy to grow local businesses.

Mr. Alexander Frimpong, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the need to make nose masks available to the people had become very crucial considering the alarming rate of infections.

He said free distribution of the masks by the Assembly was the way to go in order to curb community spread of the disease.

“We have a duty to protect the people and also contain the spread of the virus and we believe the availability of nose masks for the people will go a long way to slow the spread,” the MCE stated.

He said the Assembly through the Municipal Public Health Emergency Committee, had intensified public education on the need for people to wear masks and observe all other safety protocols.

Twelve health facilities, according to him, had also received infrared thermometers and other hygiene products.

He said the Assembly was not only distributing the masks, but would also ensure strict compliance in wearing them, especially the high risk groups in order to achieve the intended purpose.

Mr. Frimpong said all the measures being implemented by government were in the interest of public health and called for the cooperation of the general public in the fight against the disease.