Ashanti Region: Obuasi identified as Coronavirus hotspot

The Obuasi township in the Ashanti Region has recorded 272 cases of the Coronavirus disease, making it a hotspot for the disease.

The Ashanti Region, as of Monday, May 11, recorded 307 new cases, bringing the total number of cases in the region to 662.

The Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Kumah Aboagye, who made this known on Tuesday at a press briefing in Accra said the affected areas in Obuasi are the Central Market, Wawase and Asonkore.

According to Dr Aboagye, the Central Market has been closed down after a couple, who tested positive for the disease, continued trading for the past two weeks.

He said 17 of their immediate contacts also tested positive for the disease.

Dr Aboagye added that about 40 teams of contact tracers had been deployed in Obuasi to mop up the cases and isolate persons who test positive for the Coronavirus disease.

Meanwhile, some residents of Obuasi on Monday protested the siting of an isolation centre, with the view that the centre, which is located in the middle of the town, posed a health threat to residents.

They therefore want authorities of the Obuasi East District Assembly to reconsider the decision.

But the District Chief Executive for the area, Madam Faustina Amissah has justified the choice of the centre, saying the siting of an isolation center is part of efforts aimed at containing the further spread of the virus.