A task force drawn from the Department and the Ho Municipal Assembly, with support from the security agencies, served notices of closure to about 50 shops and business outlets on Wednesday.

The businesses either refused to install handwash stations, had no markings to guide social distancing, or had attendants not wearing face masks.

Some food vendors who also flouted the rules despite earlier sensitizations, had their items confiscated.

Mrs Sybil Boison, Regional Environmental Health Officer, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the outlets would remain under lock whiles the operators sanctioned and guided on observing the protocols.

She said the actions had become necessary following the realization that most shops still operated with no regard for risks of infection despite sustained public sensitization.

The GNA observed that most wash stations were not properly installed, with some having wastewater polluting their premises.

Mrs Boison cautioned businesses against sharing handwashing facilities, saying each enterprise must own a handwashing station and readily available for use at all times.

Shops owners were also instructed on maintaining the facilities and further encouraged to always keep their facemasks on, especially when engaging with customers.

Meanwhile, major retail outlets including Melcom and the Stadium Gate shopping center maintained strict handwashing protocols and also ensured that all visitors wore facemasks.

Both premises had attendants dedicated to helping customers wash hands properly, and had also banned window shopping whiles restricting the number of customers to avoid crowding.