COVID-19: NADMO backs GHS decision not to evacuate Ghanaian students in China

The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) says it supports the decision by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) not to evacuate Ghanaian students in China over the coronavirus (COVID-19).

There is growing concern among Ghanaian students in China and Italy following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in these countri
Globally, at least 80,000 people have been reportedly diagnosed with the illness.

Algeria is the first African country to report a case of coronavirus. The Algerian Ministry of Health confirmed on Tuesday the first case of coronavirus in the country, an Italian man who arrived on February 17.

Speaking in an interview with Onua FM’s Yen Sempa on Wednesday on the preparedness of NADMO in the event of any eventualities, its Communications Director, George Ayisi, noted that “China is ahead of Ghana so if we want where it can be prevented and we say we are bringing them to Ghana, it is not the best”.

“Evacuation is not the best. We know some [Ghanaian students in China] are under torture…they don’t allow them to go out but we should not evacuate them. We should continue counseling them in China. The Ghana Health Service’s position is commended”.

Mr. Ayisi admitted that the outbreak in China is scary but said measures have been put in place by the Ministry of Health and its allies to handle any outbreak of coronavirus.

“It is difficult but our agencies are ready. The government has also earmarked 2.5 million cedis for that which will also help”.

The NADMO Communications Director explained that “we have the contingency fund which can also support. The screening at the Kotoka International Airport is also helping and it shows we are being proactive”.