The Tamale Metropolitan Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has intensified public education to persuade citizens to stop stigmatising COVID-19 patients in the Metropolis.

It explained that stigmatising such individuals would slow down the country’s effort at combating the spread of the disease and urged members of the public to desist from the act.

This formed part of the messages Mr Imoro Tahiru, Tamale Metropolitan Director of the NCCE, when he led the staff of the Directorate, to educate residents on the COVID-19 pandemic.

The month-long public sensitisation was to inculcate behavioural change among the people to curb the spread of the COVID-19 in the metropolis.

It was carried out in various locations including lorry stations, markets, churches, mosques, educational facilities, faith-based organisations, chief palaces amongst other identifiable groups.

Mr Tahiru said, “We do not have to discriminate, shame and blame people, who are infected and have recovered from the virus because such acts pose threat to everyone and the fight against the disease."

He said stigmatizing patients undermined efforts and progress made so far in containing the virus and encouraged the people to support such individuals to instill a sense of communal belongingness in them.

He advised residents to wear their face masks at all times and said it was mandatory, adding that they should avoid crowded areas, frequently wash their hands with soap under running water, and sanitize their hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers as well as keep some physical distance at public places.