The Ministry of Health (MoH) has disclosed that, processes have been initiated to trace persons who came into contact with the confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ghana.

The two who returned to Ghana from Norway and Turkey tested positive after laboratory results from the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

The Ministry of Health.in a televised address on Thursday, March 12, said the patients have been quarantined and receiving needed treatment.

“Both patients are currently being kept in isolation and are stable. We have initiated processes for contact tracing.”

MoH assured Ghanaians of managing the situation as investigations have begun to trace other individuals who might have come into contact with the confirmed Covid-19 cases.

“I wish to assure all Ghanaians that the Government of Ghana together with all Health Partners will continue to work assiduously to ensure the situation is contained. Both patients are currently being kept in isolation and are stable. We have initiated processes for contact tracing,” a statement from the Health Ministry added.

The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in delivering an address to the nation on Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 disclosed that a $100 million will be set aside to support the country’s preparedness plan towards coronavirus.

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This amount, according to President Akufo-Addo, “is to fund the expansion of infrastructure, purchase of materials and equipment, and public education”.

As part precautionary measures, the president said “I have, as at yesterday, ordered a suspension of all international travels by public officials. Except for critical assignments, which will have to be authorised by the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, all public officials are to remain within the jurisdiction, until further notice. Video conferencing facilities and other technological tools are to be utilised, whenever possible, for international engagements” he added.

Additionally, he revealed that he has instructed further enhancements of the protocols for in-bound traffic from already affected countries, and urged Ghanaians “as much as possible, desist from all foreign travels, except the most critical ones, until there is a grip on the virus.”

This follows an earlier directive from the President temporarily suspending foreign travels for all government officials as part of the government’s measures to prevent an outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Ghana.