16 coronavirus cases recorded at KIA since reopening

Sixteen coronavirus cases have been confirmed since the Kotoka International Airport resumed its full operations from September 1.

With over 6,000 tests conducted so far on arriving travellers, 16 cases have been confirmed, the Information Minister said at a press briefing on Wednesday.

Giving updates on the surveillance report, the minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said four out of the 16 persons have been hospitalised but do not have severe symptoms.

He also said the rest are being managed from home.

As part of the safety protocols, all passengers coming to Ghana by air are required to pay $150 for a 30-minute PCR COVID-19 test.

Every passenger who arrives in the country must also possess proof of a negative COVID-19 test. But some passengers have complained that the $150 fee is too much.

The Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Okoe Boye, mounted a spirited defence of government’s $150 testing fee.

He described it as a good bargain adding that “nothing is more expensive than contracting COVID-19 itself.”

According to the Ledzokuku MP, the government arrived at the charge after carefully assessing that of other countries.

As of September 16, Ghana’s active cases stands at 564 with 45,655 confirmed cases.

The death toll stands at 294 while recovery rate has risen to 44, 797.

Information Minister urged the general public to remain vigilant and adhere to all the safety protocols laid down by the Health Ministry.

“Despite the decline in active cases, the government continues to urge the general public not to get complacent,” he said.