Ghana’s COVID-19 case is increasing based on government efforts in getting ahead of the virus—-Dr Bawumia explains

The Vice President,  Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has explained that the increased case of the novel Coronavirus in Ghana came as a result of the government efforts to get ahead of the virus.

According to him, the current 636 cases was  attributed to the ongoing enhanced surveillance exercise.

Dr Bawumia in a virtual address expatiate that the country is number one in Africa, per capita in terms of testing.

“In terms of numbers of tests, South Africa is number one and we are second but in terms of testing per capita in terms of testing per our population, we are leading in the continent,” he said.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) announced that 70 new cases of Coronavirus have been recorded which has increased the number from 566 to 636.

“As of 13th April 2020, at 23:00HRS, a total of 44,421 persons have been tested with 636 being positive for COVID-19.

The breakdown of the 636 positive cases are as follows: seventeen (17) have been treated, reverted to negative on repeat tests and discharged, 605 cases have been categorised as mild disease and are on treatment, two are categorised as moderate to severe cases, none in critical state currently and eight  have died,” stated by the report.

The GHS explained that of the 636 confirmed cases, 268 were reported from the routine surveillance, 253 from enhanced surveillance activities and 115 from travellers under mandatory quarantine in both Accra and Tamale.

Currently, 59per cent males and 41per cent females were infected with the virus, while 30per cent of the 636 confirmed cases were with travel history and 70per cent were with no history of travel.

Regions that have reported cases, according to the update were Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Western, Volta, Northern, North East, Upper East, and Upper West regions.

Regional breakdown

Greater Accra – 509
Ashanti – 53
Eastern – 41
Northern – 10
Volta – 9
Upper West – 7
Upper East – 4
North East – 1
Western – 1
Central – 1

BY JOYCELINE NATALLY CUDJOE