Health Ministry has confirmed a spike in COVID-19 cases linked to the University of Ghana, marking the country’s most significant outbreak in months, though no hospitalizations or deaths have been reported.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh told Parliament on Tuesday that 107 of 316 suspected cases had tested positive, with the Omicron variant identified as the source of the infections. The outbreak remains largely contained within the university’s Legon campus in Accra.

“Fortunately, there have been no hospitalizations and no deaths,” Akandoh said. “The spread is currently limited to the university community and has not extended significantly to other parts of the city or country.”

Health officials attribute the surge to recent Hall Week celebrations on campus, which drew large crowds with little adherence to preventive measures such as masking or social distancing. A government response team has since been deployed to coordinate with university and municipal health authorities.

The Ministry of Health has suspended all future student events on campus as part of containment efforts. Health alerts have also been issued nationwide, and a public awareness campaign is underway targeting university students through posters, student leadership networks, and campus radio broadcasts.

The government has urged the public to remain vigilant, recommending continued mask use in crowded areas, hand hygiene, and timely vaccination—including booster shots. Akandoh also advised individuals with symptoms to avoid public gatherings.

The resurgence comes as Ghana, like many countries, grapples with COVID-19 fatigue, even as new variants continue to emerge.

Source:TheDotNews