“In our fight against covid-19, let us remember that desperate times require desperate measures since there is correlation between public safety and public policy, I entreat the citizenry to remain calm, cooperative and be each other’s keeper.

“Let’s observe highest level of hygiene standards, I know with God on our side we will be able to contain it, ongoing disinfection of markets in the country is part of efforts to contain the outbreak through coordination, set up education, sensitisation efforts among the public to contain and manage the effects of covid-19,” Dr Osae stressed.

Speaking as a follow-up to the President’s directive and his subsequent broadcast to the nation last Saturday, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development issued a directive to all assemblies to put in place public health emergency management teams.

According to Dr Osae, the teams were expected to coordinate and set up education and sensitisation efforts among the citizenry to contain and manage the effects of covid-19.  The issue of markets came up because every market was operated and owned by a district assembly, clean and disinfect them to ensure market women operated in healthy environments.

“I appeal to the citizenry to step up efforts at ensuring prevention of the spread of covid-19,  we should adopt highest safety precautionary measures, it is real, we should not joke with it, Veronica buckets have been provided, market women should make efforts of washing their hands frequently.

“They must report to right authorities anyone who exhibits signs of the disease such as coughing, sneezing, feverishness and very high temperatures of 39 degrees Celsius,
 the government has resourced district assemblies adequately to be able to deal with the issue since districts are focal points for growth and development.

“All Members of Parliament (MPs) and assembly members are to help educate and sensitise their constituents, provide them with additional protective equipment, Veronica buckets, hand sanitisers and join the crusade to minimise spread of the pandemic,” Dr Osae entreated.