The Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) wants its members to take immediate measures to ensure that they comply with the national directive on social distancing to stop the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
In a notice to its members, GIBA said media houses must consider reviewing their programming and suspend programmes that promote close contact with other persons.
“GIBA wishes to suggest to members that, under the current circumstances and emergencies, members consider and suspend programmes that promote close contact of persons in speaking engagements (that do not meet the prescribed social distancing protocols) until further notice if possible,” the notice said.
GIBA further advised that its members with studios where it is impossible to ensure that 1-meter distance is kept between panellists must consider reducing the number of guests per panel.
“In studios where the 1-meter distance, maybe impossible to be observed, steps would have to be taken to reduce the number of guests per panel to ensure that contact from person to person is kept at the lowest margins,” the notice said.
GIBA additionally called for a review of shows such as live prayer among others that do not conform to guidelines for social distancing in the wake of the reported cases of COVID-19 in Ghana.
“Again, stations that host live prayer, worship and other mass discussion sessions will have to review their protocols to ensure that personal contacts are reduced and the prescribed distance protocols observed,” GIBA said.
With four new cases of Coronavirus reported in Ghana, the government has announced new measures to contain the spread with a focus on major themes including social distancing which discourages the close contacts with others in public areas.
Radio and Television studios receive many members of the public including staff journalists who participate in various programmes.
Given the government’s recent advisory on public gatherings and the caution for a reasonable distance to be kept between persons in such environment as part of efforts to stop the spread of the novel Coronavirus, such media organizations are being required to also adhere to the protocols.
GIBA says that it is still monitoring the situation in the country and may review its advice based on developments.
Meanwhile, it wants members to adhere to existing protocols on personal hygiene for staff and guests.
Coronavirus cases in Ghana
As at noon on Sunday, March 15, 2020, six cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed in Ghana.
Director of Public Health at Ghana Health Service, Dr Badu Sarkodie who provided updates on the country’s cases on Sunday said all the cases were imported into the country.
The first two cases were confirmed on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
Two other cases were confirmed on Friday, March 13, 2020, while an additional two were confirmed on Saturday, March 14, 2020.
Five of the cases were confirmed in the Greater Accra Region while the remaining one was confirmed in the Ashanti Region.
Health officials have been working to trace persons who have come into contact with the patients and may be at risk of contracting the virus.
