Two Italians were barred by the Immigration officials at the Kotoka International Airport from entering Ghana.

The two arrived via an Air France operated aircraft which landed in Accra.

This was disclosed by the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong, according to reports from Accra-based Citi News.

The minister asserted that, the decision by the Immigration officials is in line with the government’s travel advisory following the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Last night I think there were two Italians who were coming from the epicentre and as we got the confirmation of the details, even though the aircraft was in the air, we had to make arrangements at the airport to ensure they do not get off the aircraft and they have been returned to their original destination.”

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“So although we are yet to hit the 1 pm deadline today, some soft enforcement has already commenced at our ports entry.”

The Government of Ghana issued a travel advisory on Sunday, March 15, 2020, discouraging all travels to the country as part of its precautionary measures in wake of the coronavirus outbreak in Ghana.

The Information Minister noted that all persons except Ghanaians, who have within the last 14 days, visited countries with at least 200 cases of Covid-19 will not be permitted into the country. This is to take effect immediately today.

He added that, allowed to enter the country will be required to mandatorily self-quarantine for 14 days.

Persons who are unable to satisfactorily do so, will be quarantined by the state.

The government has already suspended consular services provided by embassies and high commissions in countries affected by the Coronavirus.