Practise precautionary protocols after disinfection-DCE

Madam Agnes Anamoo, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nabdam, has called on Ghanaians to strictly adhere to the precautionary protocols to avoid contracting the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) even after the disinfection exercise.

She said the fumigation exercise being carried out across the country especially at market places did not mean that the virus was defeated, as it was only one of measures to combat its spread and reduce the risk of infection.

It was imperative for all Ghanaians to practise basic hygienic measures including; regular handwashing under safe running water, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers among others to protect themselves and contribute to efforts at defeating the virus, she added.

The DCE made the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, on the sidelines of the fumigation exercise in the district.

The disinfection exercise, which was done by the Zoomlion Company Limited with support from the District Assembly had major markets in the district including; the Kongo, Nangodi, Zanlerigu and Pelungu markets being fumigated.

The four markets are part of the 105 markets selected in the Upper East Region to be disinfected by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development as part of efforts to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Madam Anamoo indicated that the Assembly had earlier on procured medical equipment and presented to the health facilities to help improve the efforts of the health professionals.

She said Veronica buckets were distributed to health facilities and markets to encourage and enhance handwashing and personal hygienic practices.

She said the COVID-19 rapid response team in the district was working hard to ensure that no case of virus was recorded and when it did occur they would be able to handle it to prevent further spread.

She urged all particularly the market women to practise the stipulated protocols such as social distancing, covering of nose with masks and tissue or bend elbow when sneezing or coughing with regular hand washing.

She advised people to report to the health facilities when they felt sick and had high temperature, coughs, and difficulty in breathing.

Mrs Modersta Tiroog, a trader at the Kongo Market commended government for the disinfection exercise and said though it would not eliminate the virus from the system, it would reduce its ability to live long on surfaces and objects.
She appealed to government and other organizations to support them with veronica buckets and soap to practise handwashing regularly.

Mr Bartholomew Kan, another trader at the Kongo market urged Ghanaians to take good sanitation practices and personal hygiene seriously.

During the fumigation exercise, all residents and traders complied with directives as shops in all the markets were locked and people stayed home except a few who wanted to see how the exercise was done.