The Christian Health Association of Ghana(CHAG) has presented 1746 thermometer guns to the Ghana Health Service to support it’s efforts towards the fight against COVID-19 in the country.
The presentation which was made during the CHAG’s COVID-19 Response and Institutional Capacity building (CRIB) meeting for district directors of health last Thursday in Sunyani. The meeting forms part of CHAG’s CRIB project which is funded by the UKAID.
Presenting the items on behalf of CHAG, the executive director Dr Peter Yeboah, applauded the Ghana Health Service for its leadership exhibited against the fight and indicated CHAG’s readiness at all times to complement this effort.
“CHAG is always happy to complement GHS at all levels so that we will be able to achieve the objectives of stopping, mitigating and containing the transmission of all levels of the spread of COVID-19 infection.
Dr Patrick Kumah Aboagye, Director General of GHS who received the thermometers, acknowledged the timeliness of the support, adding that it was coming at a time when many think COVID-19 is no more. He indicated that the thermometers will support the triaging and monitoring of the temperature of patients in the health facilities.
He identified the immense contribution of CHAG to the GHS and the country’s health service in general, admitting that such support remains essential to winning the fight against the pandemic.
“COVID-19 is a disruptive disease that is why a collaboration with CHAG and all is key” Dr Patrick Aboagye intoned
He tasked all to continue risk their communication activities targeting key audiences like children, efficient use of resources while ensuring that the covid-19 protocols is strictly ensured in the health facilities in the districts to avoid further disruption to essential services.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and may recover without special treatment.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air, and quickly fall on floors or surfaces.You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include loss of taste or smell, aches and pains, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, red eyes, diarrhoea, or a skin rash.
Ghana’s COVID-19 case count stands at 47,538 cases with 312 deaths as at October 18th October 2020, with 514,422 tests so far conducted.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
**Observe social distancing; Avoid handshaking
**Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
**Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, dispose the tissue in a closed bin, and then wash your hands.
**Always wear a mask, particularly when leaving home
**Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
**Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces such as remote controls and doorknobs.
**Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
**Call the designated health line(s) in your district for necessary assistance or support if you develop fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. You can also call any of the following toll-free numbers for assistance: 112, 0509497700 & 0558439868