Ghana: 550 new cases of Covid-19 in a single factory on the Atlantic coast

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In Ghana, more than 500 new cases of coronavirus have been detected in a single plant in Tema, on the Atlantic coast. A single worker was enough to contaminate them all, according to Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo who extended the ban on rallies on May 10 until the end of the month.

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The cases were detected at a fish processing plant in Tema, the Ghanaian fishing hub, 25 kilometers east of the Ghanaian capital Accra. These 533 new infections alone represent 11% of the 4,700 confirmed cases in the country. These cases were detected in late April, but, said Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, they were reported only last week.

Many questions remain about the circumstances of this massive contamination. How could it have happened despite the obligations of distancing? What actions have been taken in response? What care then for these patients?

Unique approach in Africa

This Monday, May 11, health authorities were still late in delivering details. But to ward off all criticism, the Ghanaian president praised his policy on May 10. His government lifted the travel restriction three weeks ago while conducting a massive testing campaign, including for asymptomatic cases.

It is an approach without equivalent in Africa. On Sunday, May 10, it extended the ban on rallies, the closure of borders, and that of schools and universities, at least until the end of the month.

► Coronavirus: in Ghana, lifting of confinement in Accra and Kumasi

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