The Western Region has confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at Anto in the Shama District of the Western Region.
The confirmed case in question involves a Chinese foreign national, who arrived in Ghana on Saturday, March 21, 2020, and was in self-isolation for the mandatory period of 14 days.
Although he showed no symptoms of the disease, the medical team took his sample for testing on April 8th, 2020 to confirm his status; which turned out to be positive after the test, according to health officials.
The said Chinese is one of six Chinese and 32 Ghanaians working at Coastal Quarry located near Anto in the Shama District of the Western Region.
A statement issued and signed by the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah said, a combined team of medical and security personnel is currently at work at the site.
“It is understandable but also regrettable that in times like these, there will be lots of misinformation and false news carried through social media which unfortunately filter into the mainstream media. It is therefore imperative that the facts concerning any confirmed or suspected case are checked from the Health Authorities before putting it in the public domain,” the statement said.
He appealed to the public to remain calm, including all those who might have come into contact with personnel of the company and also to cooperate with the medical team for expedited contact tracing in order to curb the spread of the virus.
The statement also clarified that the case did not originate from Atuabo, in the Ellembelle District, as being speculated, but Anto in the Shama District.
