Stop mass testing for COVID-19 unless authorised – Central Regional GHS orders

The Central Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has directed health facilities in the region to stop the mass testing of any group of persons unless authorised by the Director-General of the GHS.

They have henceforth been directed to take specimens of suspected persons for COVID-19 testing only when the case satisfies the case defition.

A letter dated Tuesday, June 16 and signed by the Regional Director, Mrs. Akosua Agyeiwaa Owusu-Sarpong, said the new directive is aimed at strengthening the routine surveillance for COVID-19 in the region.

"All health facilities or districts are henceforth advised to desists from mass testing of any group of individuals unless authorization has been granted by the Director-General of Ghana Health Service.

"To ensure effective coordination in specimen collection and early retrieval of results, all facilities and districts are to contact the Regional Biomedical Scientist (Mr. Edward N.L.Odamten - 0244686343 at the Regional Health Directorate before specimens are collected," the letter said.

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Case definition

According to the letter, a suspected case is "a person presenting with fever or a history of fever and symptoms of respiratory tract illness eg. cough, difficulty in breathing and a history of travel to or residence in a location reporting person to person transmission of COVID-19 during the last fourteen (14) days prior to onset of symptoms.

"Or A person with fever or a history of fever and symptoms of respiratory tract illness eg. cough, difficulty in breathing and in the last fourteen (14) days before symptom onset, close contact with a person who is under investigation or confirmed for COVID-19".

The letter added that all suspected cases of COVID-19 for whose results were awaiting, should be managed as COVID 19 cases to avoid mortalities.

"In the event that the test results come out as negative, the other causes of the condition should be investigated and treated," the letter said.