Implement a lockdown if necessary to curb COVID-19 spread- TUC tells Gov’t

The Trades Union Congress, TUC, has called on government to implement “more aggressive measures” to curb the continuous spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

According to the TUC, government should implement a total lock-down if need be.

A lockdown is a state of isolation or restricted access instituted as a security measure in the wake of a crisis situation such as the coronavirus pandemic.

A statement signed by its General Secretary, Dr. Yaw Baah, said, “Mr. President, the risk of spread of the virus in Ghana remains high. We need more aggressive measures to protect the people from this deadly virus, including a lockdown if that is what is needed to protect the people.”

Ghana has already recorded already recorded 24 cases with one death.

The statement further appealed to the government to equip front-line health workers with the necessary tools to help combat the disease despite the measures it had already put in place.

“We would like to thank you for the sterling leadership you have provided since the outbreak of Covid-19 in Ghana. The bold measures you have taken have helped to minimize the spread of the virus. However, in spite of these bold and decisive measures Ghana has recorded 21 cases of Covid-19. On Saturday 21st March, 2020, the country recorded its first death from the pandemic,” it noted.

“The additional measures you announced on Saturday 21st March 2020, including the closure of Ghana’s borders, mobilization of retired health workers and the procurement of additional COVID-19 text kits are appropriate. We wish they had come earlier,” it added.

In addition, the Trades Union Congress urged government provide Ghanaians with free sanitizers or subsidize the prices of the product to make them affordable for everyone.

“For instance, hand sanitizers are in short supply. Even if they are available, many Ghanaians cannot afford them because a significant proportion of Ghanaians are living in poverty. Running water for hand washing is scarce in many of our communities. Even our health facilities are complaining of insufficient running water. Our transportation system, especially ‘trotro’ is not designed to allow for social distancing.”

“The Pharmaceuticals industry and others that produce basic household supplies must be given financials and fiscals incentives to increase production. We strongly suggest that the government should provide sanitizers to all residents in Ghana free of charge or they should be subsidized to make them affordable to everyone, regardless of their income levels,” it noted.

The Trades Union Congress also called on the President “to draw from lessons from countries such as China, Italy, USA, etc, which have been hard hit by the pandemic and act accordingly as timely actions have saved them”.

Bureau of Public Safety calls for lockdown

Earlier, the Bureau of Public Safety called for the “immediate discriminated lockdown” of Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions for at least 21 days.

The Bureau also called for the lockdown of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

It added that essential services could be exempted from this lockdown.

In the urge to the government, the Bureau also called on the President “to draw from lessons from countries such as China, Italy, etc which have been hard hit by the pandemic and timely actions of Rwanda which has fewer cases yet has taken that bold decision to lockdown.”