The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has indicated that the country is likely to face the risk of a potential exponential rise in the number of COVID-19 cases because the situation is “alarming and dire”.

A statement issued by the Association on Thursday, 14 January 2021 noted that “various major health facilities involved in the management of moderate, severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients are over stretched”.

The GMA therefore called for “an urgent scale-up of COVID-19 testing and Contact tracing for all positive cases as well as strict isolation and management of all infected persons to help break the chain of transmission”.

“Adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be made available at all health facilities for use by health professionals to curb COVID-19 infections amongst health care staff. There should also be continuous COVID-19 training and motivation for health workers,” the statement added.

Also, the GMA appealed to government to make COVID-19 testing free or relatively cheaper for those who need testing “as a result of direct exposure or when symptomatic for COVID-19,” adding that: “Furthermore, there should be government-led free mass testing in all identified COVID-19 hotspots”.

The GMA also said schools must ensure that there is strict adherence to all COVID-19 prevention protocols at all times, as plans are far advanced towards reopening today Friday, 15 January 2021 as announced by President Akufo-Addo In his 21st address to the nation on the country’s COVID-19 situation.

The GMA also urged the government to fast track processes to ensure access to the COVID-19 vaccines for the country.

The Association further entreated the public to disregard conspiracy theories making rounds against the use of vaccines.

The GMA also stressed the need for the Ghana Health Service, National Commission on Civic Education and the media to continue to intensify public education and awareness on the COVID-19 pandemic, while calling on the law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with protocols at all levels.