Correspondent from the Bono Region

The leadership of the Ghana Road Transports Union (GPRTU) in the Jaman South Municipality of the Bono region have taken steps to curb the spread of the novel COVID-19.

The authorities after a crunch meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, resolved to institute some measures in the wake of the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
The measures include educating drivers on COVID-19 and the provision of Veronica buckets filled water, soaps and disinfectants at vantage places within the station.

Mr Agyei, the Secretary at the Drobo Taxi Rank Unit told Ghanaweb in an exclusive interview that the rationale behind the move by the union is to help prevent a possible outbreak within the Municipality.

He added that they have adequately educated and instructed both drivers and passengers to wash their wash before boarding vehicles and when they alight.
According to him, the leadership have instituted these measures after a stakeholder engagement.

“In the wake of the spread of the deadly virus across the globe, it has been expedient that we take measures to minimise the spread of the virus. We have placed Veronica buckets at various locations in the station and we have instructed our drivers to wash their hands thoroughly before taking off and when they arrive at the station. Passengers are also instructed to do same and we have people who ensure that the orders are complied with.”

Interestingly, although the union had met and directed for the measures to be put in place, by the time Ghanaweb’s reporter arrived at the station at 7:30 am, drivers were busily going about their duties without recourse to the precautionary measures. The situation however changed by mid-day following the presence of the reporter.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) yesterday announced a new case of the novel coronavirus, bringing the number of positive cases in the country to seven.
The new case involves a 35-year-old male, a Ghanaian citizen, who returned to Accra from France.

A message on the website of Ghana Health Service website reveals that the latest case was reported on March 17, 2020.

“This afternoon (17 March 2020); we have received a report from NMIMR that indicated one (1) more confirmed case as positive for COVID-19 in Greater Accra Region”.

The message continues that “the case-patient is a 35-year-old male, a Ghanaian citizen, who returned to Accra from France within the past 14 days. This is another imported case, which brings the total number of confirmed cases to seven (7). The case is being managed in isolation and he is in stable condition”.