Coronavirus will spread if we keep flouting stay-at-home, social distancing directives – Rawlings

Some people appear not to realise how serious the coronavirus pandemic is and, so, are not abiding by social distancing protocols, former President Jerry Rawlings has observed in his Easter message to Ghanaians.

Ghana has, so far, recorded three hundred seventy-eight cases with six deaths and four full recoveries.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has locked down Accra, Kumasi, Tema and Kosoa, as part of measures to contain the virus.

Mr Rawlings said it is important Ghanaians adhere to the lockdown directives and social distancing protocols so the country wins the fight against the virus.

“Let us adhere strictly to the restrictions imposed by the lockdown and let us maintain good sanitation and hygiene habits and social distancing directives as we commit to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Some seem not to appreciate the severity of the pandemic and are failing woefully to respect the social distancing restrictions and the stay-at-home directives. We need not allow this virus to spread into our communities. It will spread if we fail to be disciplined and stay at home”, Flt.-Lt. (Rtd) John Rawlings said in his message captured in full below:

PAIN, SACRIFICE VITAL TO COVID-19 FIGHT

– RAWLINGS’ EASTER MESSAGE

As we enter into the period of Easter, I wish to extend the spirit of peace, love and goodwill to all Ghanaians in these onerous times.

Easter is about the sacrifice Christ had to endure for humanity. As we observe the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, we must acknowledge that pain and sacrifice are essential ingredients in overcoming every challenge.

For the first time in the lives of many of us, we have to spend Easter at home devoid of the church services, family outings, get-togethers and Easter Monday festivities.

Let us use this period for thorough introspection and dedicate ourselves to doing what is right for God, humanity and country.

Let us adhere strictly to the restrictions imposed by the lockdown and let us maintain good sanitation and hygiene habits and social distancing directives as we commit to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some seem not to appreciate the severity of the pandemic and are failing woefully to respect the social distancing restrictions and the stay-at-home directives. We need not allow this virus to spread into our communities. It will spread if we fail to be disciplined and stay at home.

During this period, let us also remember our brothers and sisters who are less privileged by supporting them with food and shelter. I also urge corporate institutions and all Ghanaians who can afford so to support government’s efforts to stem the spread of the virus by donating generously in cash or kind to the COVID-19 Trust Fund.

I wish all Ghanaians an Easter period full of reflection, love, peace and generosity. Let us combat this challenge together drawing on our reserves of unity, patriotism and goodwill.