Akufo-Addo reimposes ban on public gatherings
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reimposed the ban on public gatherings including weddings, funerals, night clubs among others as part of measures to contain the upsurge associated with the second wave of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the country.
Addressing the nation in Accra on Sunday, President Akufo-Addo said the government is working tirelessly to bring down the spread of the new variant, thus urged the citizenry not hold gatherings like parties, weddings and concerts until further notice.
He warned that anyone found breaking the new directive will be severely dealt with.
READ ALSO: Lift ban on cinema— Kofi Asamoah appeals to Akufo-Addo
“Until further notice, funerals, weddings, concerts, theatrical performance and parties are banned. Private burials with not more than 25 people can take place with the enforcement of the social distancing, hygiene and mask-wearing protocols.
Beaches, nightclubs, cinemas and pubs continue to be shut. Our borders by land and sea remain closed. All workplaces, public and private must implore a shift system for workers in addition to the use of virtual platforms for business or work,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo however said Conferences could be organised and urged corporate entities to adopt virtual means to work.
READ MORE: GMA threatens strike if government fails to ban public gatherings
“Conferences and workshops can take place with all the appropriate protocols however I encourage the use of virtual platforms for such engagements,” he said.
Touching on restaurants, the president indicated that they should provide takeaway services and should as much as possible avoid seated services.
“The National Sports Authority and the Ghana Football Association should ensure compliance with the 25per cent capacity rule with spectators respecting the social distancing rule and wearing of the mask,” he added.
Ban on gatherings
President Akufo-Addo first introduced such Coronavirus-induced restrictions in Ghana on March 15, 2020, in response to the surge in cases at the time.
At the time, Ghana had recorded six cases.
The President in that broadcast gave a caveat that private burials were permitted however mourners present should not exceed 25.
“Private burials are permitted, but with limited numbers, not exceeding twenty-five (25) in attendance,” President Akufo-Addo said.
He subsequently extended the ban twice for two weeks; one on April 12, 2020, and the other on April 26, 2020.
However, the ban was lifted as part of the measures to ease the COVID-19 induced restrictions.
Source: www.spotonnews.net
