Contract Cleaners Association of Ghana, a group of cleaning companies in the country is pleading with government to include them in the category of organizations offering essential services in parts of Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi in the wake of the partial lockdown to curtail the spread of the COVID 19.
This follows the announcement by President Akufo-Addo on Friday, 27th March, 2020, stating that some category of workers or essential services are exempted from the restrictions imposed during the two-week period.
The group says considering their work includes the cleaning of offices, it is critical for them to be considered at this time that ensuring a hygienic environment means a lot to the fight against a spread of the disease.
Although the exemptions affected waste management firms, it is unclear why such cleaners were not captured in the exemptions.
Speaking to Citi Business News, the Chairman of the Contract Cleaners Association of Ghana, Yusi Salford, said their members also provide a critical service in the fight against COVID-19; as long as ensuring a clean environment is concerned and cannot be neglected.
“Our concern is that the directive wasn’t so clear enough. We are asking questions about our position as contract cleaners because in the fight against COVID-19, one of the protocols is to frequently disinfect high touched points which are- doorknobs, restrooms and other things at the workplace. So, if it’s not so clear that we are part of the social service providers then we encourage that since our clients for instance are working for the medical facilities or the telcos, and they are part of the essential service providers. Once they are going to work, the cleaners must be there to sanitize the place,” he said.
Ghana records 152 cases
So far, Ghana’s has recorded 152 cases with 5 deaths and 2 recoveries. This follows the confirmation of 11 new cases by the Ghana Health Service on Sunday, March 29, 2020.
Ten of the new cases were among persons who were under mandatory quarantine in Tamale under the direction of the Regional Security Committee of the Northern Region.
Partial lock-down begins today
The two-week partial lockdown of Accra, Tema, Kumasi and Kasoa is in force as Ghana activates one of its radical measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Whilst some roads have been devoid of activity, others have seen some police presence and military to enforce the lockdown.
During the two-week partial lockdown, citizens in affected areas are advised to only leave their homes in search of essential items or activities.