Ahead of the yuletide, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has expressed concerns about the escalation of Covid-19 cases in recent times.
The Association fears the situation may adversely impact the already vulnerable state of Ghana’s delivery system.
According to the Association, the escalation in cases is likely driven by the Omicron variant of the SARS-COV-2 virus, a highly transmissible COVID-19 variant.
They note that whilst the Delta variant was dreadful, the new Omicron variant has a high virility rate, stressing the need for authorities to put measures in place to curtail mass gathering and celebrations during Christmas and New Year season.
The Association, in a statement, warns of dire consequences if nothing was done to control mass gathering as same could further escalate the growing infection within the populace.
The statement, which was jointly signed by President Dr Frank Serebour and General Secretary Dr Titus Beyuo on Wednesday, December 22, urged Ghanaians to visit health facilities to get tested if they have any headaches, extreme fatigue, fever and other flu-like symptoms.
It further employed Ghanaians to desist from self-medication, especially for unproven malaria.
The Association is also calling for “an urgent scale-up of Covid-19 Testing and Contact Tracing for all positive cases as well as strict isolation and management of all infected persons to help break the chain of transmission”.
As a remedial measure, the Association wants the Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service and the National Commission for Civic Education to re-launch and intensify COVID-19 education.
The GMA finally entreated all to take their personal safety into their own hands by adhering strictly to the protocols.
Ahead of the yuletide there has been concerns over rising COVID-19 cases. The Ghana Health Services is working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism to regulate the mass gathering during events.