The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed a localized surge in COVID-19 cases within the University of Ghana community, urging the public to remain vigilant despite a general decline in nationwide infections over the past year.
In a press release dated June 26 and signed by Acting Director General of the GHS, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the health agency indicated that while the World Health Organization no longer classifies COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the virus continues to pose a global health threat through seasonal outbreaks.
According to the statement, the recent increase in infections is currently restricted to the University of Ghana, Legon, with no hospital admissions reported so far.
The GHS said it is working closely with university authorities to manage and contain the outbreak, and to review response measures as the situation evolves.
Residents and members of the university community have been advised to be on the lookout for symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, general bodily weakness, difficulty breathing, and loss of taste or smell. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is urged to seek immediate medical attention.
The GHS also reiterated the importance of adhering to preventive measures to curb further spread of the virus. These include:
1. Maintaining social distancing
2. Wearing face masks, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas
3. Washing hands frequently with soap or using hand sanitizer
4. Staying at home and self-isolating when unwell
5. Avoiding large gatherings
6. Seeking prompt medical care if symptoms arise
Though the outbreak is currently contained within the University of Ghana, the public is being encouraged to continue practicing hand hygiene and mask-wearing in crowded spaces as a precaution.
The Ministry of Health, through the GHS, assured the university community and the general public that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent a wider spread of the virus and to manage the outbreak effectively.
