The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced the removal of all COVID-19 restrictions at all entry points in the country.
This was revealed in a statement by the GHS released on the 20th May, 2023.
According to the statement, the removal of the restrictions follows the recent declaration by the World Health Organization on 5th May, 2023, where COVID-19 was no longer considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
The statement also revealed that there had been a decrease in COVID-19 cases in the country over the past few months, with few active and severe cases, and one death in the entirety of the year.
“There has been a sustained decline of COVID-19 cases in the country over the past 5 months. As of 15th
May 2023, there were only 18 active cases none of which is severe or critical. The only COVID-19 death in
2023 was in January.”
According to the GHS, measures were taken to remove requirements needed for traveling or moving through entry points based on the developments. These measures are expected to take effect from 20th May, 2023.
“Based on the global and national situation, at the last national COVID-19 Task Force meeting on 17th May 2023, the following decisions were taken: Pre-departure testing and test at all Points of Entry are no more a requirement for all passengers; COVID-19 Health Declaration form for intemational travellers has been suspended. These measures are to take effect from today, 20th May 2023.”
GHS also mentioned some measures that have been decided to be taken by the Health Service in the cases of COVID-19 infections among people.
“For constant vigilance and protection of persons from COVID-19 infections, the following measures are to be maintained:
- COVID-19 Vaccination drive will continue.
- Persons with symptoms of fever, cough and sore throat would be tested for both Flu and COVID-19 at our sentinel sites across all 16 regions.
- Surveillance will continue to help us identify any new COVID-19 variants of Concern.
- The public is to maintain general safety measures like hand washing with soap and water or use of
alcohol-based hand sanitizer. - Persons with complaints of fever, cough and sore throat should report to the nearest health facility for management.
- Persons who test positive to COVID-19 are to be managed with existing protocols.”
The Health Service went on to assure the public of its capacity to manage situations in relations to COVID-19 as well as offer health services in health matters of high concerns.
“Ghana has had outbreaks of Marburg Virus Disease, Lassa Fever, Monkey Pox, Measles and Yellow Fever since the declaration of COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The health systems in the country have maintained sufficient capacity in the midst of these threats. The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, with support of our partners, will continue to ensure operational readiness and flexibility to respond during surges of COVID-19, while maintaining other essential health services and preparing for the emergence of new variants with increased severity or capacity.”
Read the full statement below.
