COVID19: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT LOCKING DOWN SHOPS IN HO MUNICIPALITY FOR FAILING TO OBSERVE PROTOCOLS.

The Volta Environmental Health Department is closing down shops in the Ho Municipality for not complying with directives aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

Over 50 shops had been marked and would be closed down for offences including the refusal to set up handwashing stations, neglect for social distancing regulations, and the refusal to wear face masks.

A team from the Environmental Health Department, the revenue office of the Ho Municipal Assembly, and the police  took part in the exercise, which would be replicated throughout the region.

The team seized items of food vendors who ignored the directions.

According to Mrs Sybil Boison, The Regional Environmental Health Officer,  Owners of such facilities will be prosecuted for their failure to adhere to the laid protocols.

"It isn't advisable for shops to share hand washing facilities, and must also make sure the waste water from hand washing be properly disposed off."

The Environmental health advised that, shop attendants should always wear facemasks, especially when dealing with clients and quickly sanitize or wash their hands as much as possible.
Speaking to Swiss Volta Express Show on Friday 15/05/2020,
Mr. Mawutor Buamah an officer from the department outlined that the exercise has come to stay and it will cut across the region by the assistance of the district environmental officers in the various district.

He made it known that people found guilty shall be punish in accordance to the assemblies code of punishment.

He advise shop owners, food vendors and the general public to visit offices of the Environmental Health for any clarification on issues related to the sanitation and Environmental health in the region.

The Environmental Health Department has been assessing the implementation of nationwide coronavirus preventive measures, inspecting business outlets, and public institutions.