Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov’t shuts down KIA VIP lounge

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has temporarily shut down the VIP lounge of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) effective 21st March 2020.

The move according to the ministry is to limit the number of imported Coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic cases into the country.

READ MORE: Coronavirus Outbreak: Accra Markets to be closed on Monday

In a circular note to all diplomatic missions, international organization and honorary consulates accredited to the Republic of Ghana the ministry said, “the decision is critical to secure Ghana’s borders and ports of entry especially KIA against any further importation of virus into the country. In light of the foregoing, it has become mandatory for all inbound and outbound passengers including emergency cases to use the terminal 3 of the KIA and go through laid down arrival and departure protocols.

“Service at the VIP lounge would be restored when the situation is normalized,” the notes added.

Also, more night clubs, hospitality centers, and event places are voluntarily shutting down in Accra due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This is coming after President Akufo-Addo directed schools in the country to shut down effective Monday, March 16, 2020.

The President gave the order when he addressed the nation on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

“All Universities, Senior High Schools, and basic schools, i.e. public and private schools, will be closed Monday, 16th March 2020, till further notice. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, has been tasked to roll out distance learning programs,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo, however, said students who will be taking part in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) “will be allowed to attend school to prepare for their examinations, but with prescribed social distancing protocols.”

Read the full circular note below: