An ongoing sensitization and compliance exercise by the Environmental Health Department, led to the closure of shops and businesses that ignored COVID-19 prevention regulations including social distancing, the installation of hand washing facilities, and the wearing of face masks.

The culprits were charged to pay fines ranging from GHC150.00 to GHC500.00 and also guided on how to implement the protocols.

Mrs Sybil Boison, Regional Environmental Health Officer, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that most shops and businesses plainly ignored the directives despite an increase in the community spreading of the virus, hence the deterrent measure.

She said the exercise would be implemented across the Region, adding that the Department would teach the construction of tippy-taps as a cost-free alternative to veronica buckets and other hand washing systems.

The team is also inspecting the health certificates of food vendors, and ensuring that commercial drivers wore face masks and did not carry more passengers than approved.

Mr Peter Pariki, Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) Focal Person for the Region, remarked that the actions being taken were aiding compliance, and that the situation would be monitored for desired results.

He added that the sensitization efforts required more support, and appealed to the media and other stakeholders to help.