More turn out for COVID-19 jab
Many centres continue to record a high turnout for the second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine in Accra.
As a result, there was congestion at some centres, while some people disregarded the COVID-19 safety protocolsWhen the second round of the special vaccination exercise started last Wednesday, a total of 13, 682 people received the shot in Accra, Kumasi and parts of the Central Region.
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Yesterday, when the Daily Graphic toured some centres to assess the situation, many people had reported as early as 5:00a.m., but the exercise started late, creating large crowds.
Places visited included the Adabraka Polyclinic, Osu Government Maternity Home, Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Chorkor Police Station and the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) Hospital.
COVID-19 safety protocol
Even though Veronica buckets were placed at the centres and chairs spaced up to ensure social distancing, as well as periodic reminders of adherence to the protocols, it was difficult to enforce it due to the large number of people, some of whom had their face masks hanging on their chin.
At the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and LEKMA, however, the protocols were enforced with some difficulties.
There were also agitations at some centres where people attempted to jump the long queues, while at other centres the process was slow due to some technical challenges.
Concerns
At the Adabraka Polyclinic, management had to use a rope to demarcate the centre when more people were rushing to the area.
A nurse who spoke to the Daily Graphic on condition of anonymity said she felt unsafe because of people’s disregard for safety protocols at the centre.
“We try to make sure people comply with the safety protocols, but all have proved futile. Some of them even get upset when we remind them to wear their face masks, claiming they were insulated because of the first shot they received.
“Now I’ve decided to rather protect myself and not talk again and that is why I am wearing double masks,” she said.
Despite the challenges, however, many who were in the queue said they were ready to wait for their turn rather than go and return another day.
“Though the arrangement could have been better, given that a similar thing happened during the first round, there is nothing I can do but to wait for my turn no matter how long it will take because I cannot come back on another day,” Nii Adjetey Adjei said at the LEKMA hospital.
For his part, Mr Asiedu, who was also yet to take his jab at the Adabraka Polyclinic said he did not see the need to wear his face mask as he claimed he was secure due to the first jab he took.
“They said the vaccine is meant to protect us against the virus so if that is the case why do I have to continue wearing this mask? I suffocate when I put it on and if I don’t take care, that may even kill me,” he said.
Those who successfully took the second jab expressed delight over the exercise claiming that they were now immune to the coronavirus.