Coronavirus: Why staying in Belgium is safer than Ghana - Joseph Paintsil

Genk midfielder Joseph Painstil

Ghanaian winger Joseph Painstil has been given permission by his club KRC Genk to travel to his native amidst the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus.

But it is yet to be known if the winger will leave for Ghana despite the growing cases in the West African state.

Ghana has shutdown it airport to prevent flights from coming in and out of the country after several of the cases recorded were as a result of people visiting or returning from trips abroad. The country is currently on a partial lockdown, with major cities Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi all in standstill.

It will be better for the Ghana youth star, Joseph Painstil to stay in Belgium as his country fight the novel virus.

Joseph Painstil will get access to better health facilities in Belgium, a country with a good health care system than in Ghana. The government of Ghana are trying hard to contain the deadly virus that has already killed five out of over a 100 cases reported. Despite the high number of cases in the European country, it is one of the countries with the best recovery rate of 72%.

In Ghana, with the growing numbers, the recovery rate is still underwhelming as only 3 person have fully recovered out of the over hundred cases. This makes it riskier for people travelling into the country. Already over a 1000 have been quarantined as authorities undertake test to contain those who are positive.

Apart from that should Painstil leave for Ghana and the Jupiler Pro League starts in earnest it could affect his season because of the travel restrictions. Painstil has enjoyed a decent campaign this season, after making 21 appearances in all competition for the Belgian champions. With the league also set for play-offs, it is ideal that he remains in Belgium as the world fight the COVID-19 for normalcy to return.

The 22-year old has a better chance of getting the necessary equipment for indoor training than in Ghana. In an advanced place like Belgium, the quarantine rules are a bit flexible as players can order for the right materials to help indoor training. Painstil can stay better fit in Belgium than in Ghana.