US warns travelers to stay away from Ghana over rising COVID-19 cases

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention in the United States of America (USA) has warned travelers wanting to travel to the Ghana to stay away from the West African country over rising COVID-19 cases.

The CDC in a note published on its website (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-ghana) placed Ghana under level 4, a level which is the highest in terms of recorded cases of the novel coronavirus.

CDC uses Travel Health Notices (THNs) to alert travelers and other audiences to health threats around the world and how to protect themselves. On November 21, 2020, CDC adapted its 3-level notice system to a new 4-level system for COVID-19 and updated criteria used to determine THN levels.

This new 4-level system categorizes destinations, including international destinations and United States Territories, into the following four levels:

  • Level 4: Very high level of COVID-19
  • Level 3: High level of COVID-19
  • Level 2: Moderate level of COVID-19
  • Level 1: Low level of COVID-19

The warning note indicates that travelling to Ghana may increase one’s chances of getting and spreading the novel coronavirus, therefore, staying at home is the best way to protect themselves and others from the virus.

“Travelers should avoid all travel to Ghana. If you must travel, talk to your doctor ahead of travel, especially, if you are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Get test with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip, keep a copy of your results with you during travel”, the warning note published on the CDC website in part read.

It said airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest shops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus, noting that same are places where it can be hard to social distance.

The CDC has, thus, advised travelers not to travel if their test result is positive; and immediately isolate and follow public health recommendations.

Ghana, according data released by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), is now recording at least 200 cases of coronavirus on a daily basis.

President Akufo-Addo in his latest update to the nation on measures being taken to curb the spread of the virus said the number of COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization and intensive care is rising. According to him, the number of severe cases, which stood at 18 a week ago, has sharply increased to 120.


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