In recent weeks there has been extensive coverage online and in the media about Coronavirus, and you may be aware that World Health Organisation has declared a Global emergency after the outbreak was discovered to be spreading outside of China. Lancaster University Ghana is monitoring the situation and will post updates here as necessary.
At Lancaster University Ghana, we are committed to keeping our staff and students informed of the very latest advice from relevant authorities and are responding to any concerns. Students and staff are advised to employ the basic protective measures advised by the WHO which includes washing hands frequently, covering the mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing, avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth, and maintaining at least a distance of 1metre between yourself and anyone who is coughing, sneezing or has a fever. More detailed advice is available on this webpage.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. If you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms, please seek medical advice and notify your Head of Programme or Line Manager.
There are many myths surrounding this virus, and the WHO has created a page addressing these, which can be found here.
The WHO has also issued advice for those travelling internationally, which can be found here.
Latest News
The Ghana National Technical Coordinating Committee held a meeting on 3rd February, 2020 to review arrangements to prevent the outbreak of the coronavirus in Ghana, and plan for possible cases of the coronavirus in Ghana. So far, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has designated the Ridge Hospital and the Tema General Hospital as initial case management centres, while the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research has been chosen as the laboratory to test for reported cases of the virus.
Ghana has so far recorded nine suspected cases of coronavirus since the outbreak started in China. According to the Ministry of Health, all the suspected cases have turned out to be negative. The sector Minister, Kweku Agyeman-Manu in a statement he signed on Thursday, February 6, 2020, said the nine include the two suspected cases that were reported at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Wednesday. Click here for more information.
28th February, 2020 – The first case of the coronavirus in sub-Saharan Africa has been confirmed in Nigeria. Authorities say the patient, who is an Italian citizen, and flew to Lagos from Milan on 25th February is stable with no serious symptoms and is being treated at a hospital in the city. Elsewhere on the continent, Algeria and Egypt have also confirmed cases of the disease. Click here for more information.
We would like to re-enforce need to continue employing the basic protective measures advised by the WHO which includes washing hands frequently, covering the mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing, avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth, and maintaining at least a distance of 1 metre between yourself and anyone who is coughing, sneezing or has a fever. A total of 8 Hand Sanitizer Dispensers have also been placed at vantage points on campus: there are 4 dispensers on the Main Campus Doors on the 1st and 2nd floors, and 4 outside the washroom doors on the 1st and 2nd floors. More detailed advice on protective measures is available on this webpage.
16th March, 2020 – In an effort to protect the safety and wellbeing of its community, Lancaster University Ghana will be suspending on-campus classes and activities from the 17th of March 2020. This is following the Ghanaian Government’s recent mandate to all Education Institutions after six COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the country. Click here for more information.
3rd April, 2020 – Our Provost, Professor Malcolm McIver has issued a message which has been sent out to all students regarding the measures LUG is taking to ensure minimal disruption to our students’ education. Click here to read this message.