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Ghana’s COVID-19 death toll has increased to 647 after a 4 March update by the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
However, the country’s active cases are dropping steadily despite an additional 373 new cases. The active cases are now 4,866.
The country’s total confirmed cases now stand at 86,465 out of which 80,952 have recovered.
So far, 66 persons are in severe condition while 24 remain critical, according to GHS. Cases detected at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) are 1,250 with 1,122 recoveries.
Breakdown of regional cases:
Greater Accra Region – 48,282
Ashanti Region – 14,954
Western Region – 5,478
Eastern Region – 3,872
Central Region – 3,030
Volta Region – 2,091
Northern Region – 1,458
Bono East Region – 1,237
Upper East Region – 1,232
Bono Region – 1,102
Western North Region – 808
Ahafo Region – 666
Upper West Region – 444
Oti Region – 308
North East Region – 156
Savannah Region – 97
140,000 to be vaccinated in Kumasi and Obuasi
Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate is targeting to inoculate about 140, 000 people in the Greater Kumasi and Obuasi areas in the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccination exercise in the region.
The Region has taken delivery of 150,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine for the first mass vaccination exercise but health authorities are anticipating 10 per cent wastage in the course of the two weeks’ exercise.
Dr Emmanuel Tinkorang, Regional Director of Health Services, made this known to journalists at a media briefing ahead of the launch of the exercise at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
On Tuesday, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene took the first jab in the region to pave way for the mass vaccination to commence.
A total of 112 vaccination teams including vaccinators and social mobilizers would be deployed for the exercise in designated facilities, according to Dr. Tinkorang.
He entreated the public to disregard the myths and misconceptions being circulated about the vaccine and take part in the exercise.
Dr Frank Ankobea, president of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), said the procurement of the vaccine was an important step towards eradicating the virus and urged the public to cooperate with health authorities.
He said the misconception about the vaccines was a huge challenge that required that all stakeholders doubled their efforts to overcome the anti-vaccine campaigners to ensure a successful exercise.
Dr Ankobea however, cautioned that the vaccine was not a replacement for the existing safety protocols and that it was to complement them to reduce the risk of transmission.
Fred Dzakpata
Asaase Radio 99.5 – tune in or log on to broadcasts online
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