UG blows alarm on resurgence of COVID-19 within its vicinity

UG blows alarm on resurgence of COVID-19 within its vicinity

By: Nii Ammui Fio | 3 mins read

The University of Ghana’s Health Services Directorate has raised a red flag over a fresh resurgence of COVID-19 cases reported in and around its campus.

In a statement dated June 23, the Directorate confirmed that both suspected and confirmed cases of the virus have been identified in the university’s immediate environment.

As part of an urgent response, the University has reinstated its COVID-19 Response Protocols, with renewed screening and triage procedures at its health facilities. Staff, students, and visitors have been urged to heighten vigilance and comply strictly with all health and safety measures to prevent further transmission.

The Directorate cautioned: "Ensure good ventilation in offices, lecture halls, and meeting rooms." Other preventive actions include the correct use of face masks—especially in enclosed or congested settings—frequent handwashing with soap under running water, or using alcohol-based sanitizers.

Community members are further advised to maintain a physical distance of at least one metre where feasible and to avoid large gatherings unless absolutely necessary. Those experiencing flu-like symptoms have been asked to remain at home and seek immediate medical care.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide regular updates,” the Directorate stated, adding that the community must “work together to protect ourselves and our community.”

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, typically spreads through close contact between individuals. Symptoms generally emerge 5 to 6 days after exposure and may last between 1 to 14 days.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), while common symptoms include fever, chills, and sore throat, others may experience muscle aches, fatigue, nasal congestion, dizziness, a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or diarrhoea. Difficulty sleeping and neurological symptoms like numbness have also been reported.

Although vaccines do not guarantee immunity from infection, WHO emphasizes that vaccinated individuals are far more likely to experience only mild symptoms—or none at all—and have strong protection against severe illness and death.

COVID-19 was first declared a public health emergency of international concern in 2020. Ghana recorded its initial cases in March of that year. The WHO officially ended the public health emergency declaration in May 2023 but warned that the virus still poses a global health threat.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reiterated that many citizens remain unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated, leaving gaps in national immunity.

To address this, a nationwide vaccination campaign launched in July 2024 has administered over 500,000 vaccine doses to individuals aged 18 and above. Vaccination efforts have been expanded through hospitals, clinics, and mobile outreach in markets, homes, churches, and workplaces.

According to the GHS, COVID-19 vaccination has now been integrated as a routine adult immunisation programme available at all designated vaccination centres.

Globally, as of 2023, there have been more than 765 million confirmed cases and nearly 7 million deaths, with 13.3 billion vaccine doses administered. WHO data indicates that Europe recorded the highest case count—nearing 300 million—as well as the highest death toll, exceeding 2.5 million. Africa, in contrast, registered the lowest figures for both confirmed cases and deaths.