Summary Of Minister’s Press Briefing On COVID-19 Pandemic. Tuesday April 7, 2020.

Ten key points you should know

1. The total number of confirmed cases as at 23:30 GMT April 6, 2020 stood at 287 with five deaths recorded.
3. The test results of 7,461 persons whose samples were taken as part of the enhanced contact tracing and testing mechanism has been released with 14 of them testing positive for COVID-19.
5. Fifteen Ayalolo buses have been deployed in Accra and about 12 in Kumasi to convey health workers to their workplaces.
6. Ministry of Health is working on modalities to grant tax reliefs to all health workers as well as payment of allowances to all frontline health workers and contact tracers as announced by the President.
7. Five companies have been selected to sew 3.6 million nose masks and are expected to commence delivery by tomorrow (Wednesday); 150,000 masks are to be delivered each day.
8. All community based water systems are to serve water to the community residents for free as part of the President’s ‘free water’ directive.
9. Hospitals, clinics and other health centres will enjoy priority supply of water
10. Polytanks will be installed at urban areas as well as rural areas to ensure that water is easily accessible.
11. Water tanker services are being deployed nationwide to provide water to vulnerable communities and areas without access to portable water.
12. Households owing water bills will still enjoy free supply of water for the month of April, May, and June contrary to some media reports.
13. Commissions/allowances will be paid to persons managing water stations so they do not charge any fee.
14. Mechanisms are being put in place to monitor the irresponsible use of water.
15. The provision of food for up to 400,000 individuals and homes in the affected areas of the restrictions is not limited to only kayayeis but all vulnerable groups.
16. No money is to be shared to the vulnerable as suggested by some media reports
17. Vulnerable groups in need of food in a particular area should contact the hotline 0800800800 established by the Gender Ministry for assistance.
18. Faith-based organisations have been assigned to distribute food to avoid politicisation of the distribution exercise.
19. A broader stimulus package to reignite the economy is being worked upon as part of the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP) and that would be announced in due course.