GHS confirms COVID-19 cases at University of Ghana

A fresh wave of COVID-19 infections has hit the University of Ghana, prompting swift containment efforts by health authorities and renewed calls for vigilance across the country.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed that a COVID-19 case has been recorded within the University of Ghana community in recent weeks, although the infections remain mild and no hospitalisations have been reported so far, the situation is being closely monitored in collaboration with university officials and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

In a statement released on Thursday, June 26, and signed by Acting Director-General Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) noted that all recent infections have been mild and require no hospital admissions.

“Although the World Health Organization no longer classifies COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the pandemic is not over, and sporadic outbreaks are expected globally,” the release cautioned.

GHS teams are working with university authorities to ring-fence the outbreak while the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research continues nationwide surveillance.

Anyone experiencing fever, chills, cough, sore throat, general weakness, breathing difficulty, or loss of taste or smell is advised to “immediately report to the nearest hospital,” the statement said.

Officials are also reminding the public to:

Keep physical distance where possible.
Wear masks in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces;
Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitiser.
Stay home and self-isolate if unwell.
Avoid large gatherings; and
Seek medical care promptly if symptoms develop.

“The Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service, assures the University community and the public that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent further spread and to control the outbreak effectively,” Prof. Akoriyea stated.