Information Ministry moves to clarify coronavirus lockdown order

The Ministry of Information in its resolve to ensure effectiveness of the lockdown directive given by the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is urging all to reach out to the outfit for a clarification on the orders.

The president on Friday evening declared a partial lockdown of Accra, Tema and Kumasi effective 1am on Monday, March 30, 2020 to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease.

Announcing that the country has recorded 137 confirmed cases with 4 deaths, the president said: “Prevailing circumstances mean that stricter measures have to be put in place to contain and halt the spread of the virus within our country, especially in Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi, which have been identified by the Ghana Health Service as the ‘hotspots’ of the infections.

“In doing this, we cannot afford to copy blindly, and do all the things some other well-developed countries are doing. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to this pandemic. We have a unique situation in our country, and we must take it into account in dealing with the disease, whilst meeting all the six (6) key WHO guidelines on the most effective ways of combating the pandemic. Even though it may be said that the number of our infections is still, relatively, low, if we act now purposefully, we have a chance of preventing an escalation of our numbers.”

Some services, including members of the security agencies assigned lawful duties; Staff of electricity, water, telecommunications, e-commerce and digital service providers; members of the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary; production, distribution and marketing of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, medicine, paper and plastic packages; staff of VALCO were however exempted from the restrictions.

According to the ministry, it has received “many requests for clarifications” since the address last night and is set to provide answers accordingly. Persons with concerns in this regard have been asked to register them on social media with the hashtag #AskTheInfoMinistry.

“If you have a specific question that needs clarification, please send to us as a comment on this thread. The Ministry will provide answers at our Sunday briefing. #AskTheInfoMinistry” a post from the ministry stated.

The initiative has seen many throw in their questions.

Here are a few of them

1. There's a global shortage of ventilators, how many have we ordered for & from where are we ordering to manage surge in critical cases

2. Will pts always be airlifted to Accra or ksi, or are isolation & treatment centres being set at reg. levels so our system isn't overwhelmed

— Mr. Slim (@ebenezer_slim) March 28, 2020

Some Nurses and Midwives who work within the Awutu Senya East Municipality [ASEM] come from as far as Tema and parts of Accra.

What are the transport and safety measures, as we will be the most vulnerable in the streets?

Thank you.

Chairman, ASEM - GRNMA.#AskTheInfoMinistry

— JustKobby???????? (@KobinaAlpha) March 28, 2020

Is it possible to stop travels out of the affected regions before the actual lockdown? People are now moving to the unaffected regions and the probability of the virus spreading there is very very high

— SIR BEN ???????? (@Ohh_Kojo) March 28, 2020

Banks were not listed as part of the essential services. Yet in the earlier part of President’s address he said “banking transactions” is one of the reasons people will be allowed to step out in the locked down areas. Does banking services just refer to ATM transactions?

— Kevin ???? (@MC_DaBrandKev) March 28, 2020

1. How can I justify to a security official that I’m going to get an essential without being doubted and how often can I go out to get any?
2. Is there any subsidy for utility bills during the two week period?

— Nána Yaw (@HRH_nana_yaw) March 28, 2020

We can go out to get essential items and also do bank transactions but there's also no movement of vehicles for private or commercial purposes, how do we move then? Can that be clarified please.

— Sean (@SeanReezy25) March 28, 2020

What happens to the staff of closed private schools? What happens if employers refuse to pay salaries because schools hv been closed down??? The president didn’t say anything at all about this situation. If this closure of schools eats into the subsequent months staff r doomed.

— ConcernedSTAFF (@mrowusugh) March 28, 2020

Pls i will need more clarification on the functions and powers of the @GhPoliceService cos they have the habit of taking advantage of every situation to either extort or do something stupid to us the civilians. #AskTheInfoMinistry

— Nkonsonkonson???? (@Mmere_Dane) March 28, 2020

His Excellency spoke about the liberty we have to go out for bank Transactions and to buy food , but the lockdown affects marketplaces and retail shops. Where to buy food and little supplies, Are there some exclusions ? #AskTheInfoMinistry

— KOJO Neighbour ???????????????? (@Arhin_PKG) March 28, 2020