President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced additional measures to slow the spread of the deadly COVID-19 disease that has affected 19 persons in Ghana.

In an address to the nation Saturday evening, the President stated that 50,000 test kits have been ordered and are expected in the country shortly. He added that health workers who have retired have been called upon to step forward and help with the fight against the Coronavirus.

The President also announced a total closure of Ghana’s borders effective Sunday 22, March 2020. He, however, added the closure does not apply to goods and cargo.

Mr Akufo-Addo in his address also urged Ghanaians to strictly adhere to observing the social distancing measures announced on Sunday, March 15.

The President has also declared Wednesday, March 25, as a national day for fasting and prayers against the spread of the Coronavirus.

The President’s address came hours after one of the 19 individuals who tested positive for Coronavirus had died in a health facility at Kumasi in the Ashanti region.

The victim, according to the deputy Health Minister, Alexander Abban, is a Lebanese national who tested positive for the virus last week.

Globally the virus has infected 304,336 people with 12,984 deaths with the most deaths in Italy and China.

ChinaItalyIran, Spain and Germany have suffered the highest number of infections.

The current death toll suggests 4 per cent of patients who catch the virus die from it.

Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM