Four assemblies in the Eastern Region have taken joint action to curb the spread of the COVID-19 by reducing congestion at markets as well as check influx of people from the lockdown areas.

The Assemblies are the New Juaben South and Akuapem North municipalities, Okere and Akuapem South districts who share common boundaries.

The initiative is also to ensure a holistic approach to measures outlined to curb the spread of the disease.

According to a release jointly signed by the four Chief Executives and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), as part of measures taken to curtail the spread of the disease, all seven major market centres in the four areas had been directed to run shift to avoid congestion and overcrowding during market days.

This according to the statement, has therefore put on hold special market days trading activities at all these marketing centres to ease congestion to ensure that the social distance protocol was strictly adhered to.

The Markets which have been affected by this directive include Adawso Market in Akuapem-North District, Asenema Market in Okere, Koforidua Central, Juabeng Serwah, Zongo, the Beads and Agatha Markets all in New Juaben South municipality.

The statement also indicated that given the influx of people into the Region through the entry points of the four jurisdictions due to the lockdown in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions, barriers had been mounted at various places with public health workers taking temperatures of all persons entering as a further measure.

The barriers are located at the Eastern Premier Hotel junction, Koforidua SSNIT estate Highway and Ada road in New Juaben South Municipality, Mangoase Junction, Larteh Junction, Larteh Tamara (Ayikuma Road) in Akuapem North Municipality, Ansaa Guest House and Adukrom Old Police Station Barrier in Okere district and Adamorobe and Pokuase on the Aburi-Nsawam road in Akuapem South district.

The statement also noted that in line with the President’s directive all public transport including taxis and trotros in the area have been directed to reduce the number of passengers whiles all public places like pubs and drinking bars had been closed.

Meanwhile, hand washing facilities and hand sanitizers had been provided at all public places including public toilets, markets, lorry parks, clinics and palaces as well as the premises of the respective municipalities and assemblies.

The statement, therefore, appealed to the media and all stakeholders to ensure that the directives were observed to the latter in the interest of the public in these trying times.