EMERGENCY MEETING ON COVID-19 HELD ON 3RD FEBRUARY, 2021

The DCE thanked everyone for being present at the meeting. He informed the house that the reason for his meeting was to discuss the recent cases recorded in the district and how best measures can be put in place to control the spread of the virus in the District.

Enforcement of Covid 19 protocols at night clubs

The DCE commended members for their efforts in ensuring that night clubs conform to the Covid 19 protocols. And added that members continue to do their best in ensuring that the protocols are fully observed at all night clubs within the districts.

Reports from National Ambulance Service

Mr.Ofosu Anim informed the house that, currently the District Ambulance is not used in conveying Covid 19 cases but instead the Ambulance Service has allocated an Ambulance which  is used in conveying Covid 19 cases. He emphasized on the need to organize Covid 19 workshops for members. He also said that, residents in the District must be educated on the need to call the Ambulance service in the wake of any emergency.

Reports from (St Peters Hospital)

The representative of the St. Peters Hospital informed the house that wearing of nose masks must be enforced and recalcitrant must be allowed to face the rigors of the law. He added that currently the District has only three beds at the isolation center which is not enough. He informed the house that the hospital is lacking PPEs and asked the Assembly to intervene and assist them in getting more PPEs.

Reports from BNI

The BNI officer informed the house that punishment must be administered as a measure to curb the spread of the virus in the District. He emphasized that when people are punished for flouting the Covid-19 protocols, it will deter others from doing same. He added that re- usable nose masks must be distributed instead of the disposable nose mask this will help cut the cost of providing nose masks daily to schools in the district.

He said that, with regards to the burial / funeral services they had to seek the advice of traditional council authorities on how to arrange funerals in the District and as well the Covid-19 taskforce must ensure full enforcement of laws at the Pubs and Bars.

Reports from FIRE SERVICE

The fire officer informed the house with this second wave of Covid-19 they would assist the police service in inspection of nose masks. In addition, he said there will be more domestic fires because people are more like to be indoors hence the fire service will be vigilant this time around.

Reports from NADMO

Council’s staff on the ground involve Covid 19 in all programmes.

Reports from DDHS

The representative of DDHS informed the house that It’s prudent they have meeting with the PHECM.

From last year they met a couple of times and the Assembly provided an assist

First wave of Covid 19 -45

Along the line as protocols were relaxed

• Breathing with DCE
• Training of staff on Covid 19 symptoms
• Education on radio

Immediately after the Christmas they have seen the re-emergence of the new wave

Jastech recorded one case of Covid 19

Sample of close contacts were taken (61) was sent to the lab and awaiting results

Provision of an isolation center for the school

Nkomo FM published that one student has had Covid 19 which is on the spread. The school authorities called and were scared that parents will troop in to come for their kids. She cautioned members to be responsible.

CHALLENGES

• Lack of PPEs
• Fuel (transporting samples)
• 50% for frontline workers

MOTIVATION

The DCE assured the health directorate that they will provide some form of support funds to health workers on the ground.

ISOLATION CENTRES

The Assembly is working on getting a facility for isolation Centers but people are refusing to give out their facility

Nose masks

Enforcement only during the day time has made indigenes come out in the evening without nose masks.

Fuel

The BNI officer was tasked to liaise with other security personnel to help curb the virus.

Closing Remarks by DCE

The DCE thanked the members for being present to this important meeting. He then said management of the Assembly will work hard and make sure the indigenes of the district comply to the Covid 19 directives given by the President