The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced a shut down all of its Head Offices and corporate subsidiaries and divisions in Accra for a fumigation exercise after some staff tested positive for COVID-19.

The office will be closed from Wednesday July 8, 2020 to Friday, July 10, 2020.

In a statement issued by the company, Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, stated that this has become necessary after some staff members tested positive for the novel Coronavirus.

“This has become necessary due to the mass testing the organization is currently undertaking which has resulted in some staff members testing positive for COVID-19.”

The COCOBOD says the affected staff who have tested positive are also expected to begin self-isolation immediately.

“All necessary arrangements have been made for the affected staff to receive the necessary medical attention and contact tracing is currently ongoing to enforce quarantine and isolation measures, whenever application of members or families who have been in contact with such stiff”

COCOBOD however assures the general public that the arrangement will not negatively impact its operations as all staff have been equipped to work from home in the interim following the development.

“We wish to assure the general public that during the period of the close down, normal work will continue without any destruction as staff have been equipped with the necessary working tools to be able to work remotely from their homes. All individuals and companies with urgent businesses should contact us via our online portal,” it said

This comes a day after the Bulk Oil Storage Transportation Company BOST, also closed down its head office after 46 staff tested positive for the virus, increasing the number of infections in institutional establishments.

This comes not long after the Trade and Industry Ministry announced new guidelines for institutions in curtailing the spread of COVID-19.

As at July 6, 2020, Ghana has recorded 21, 077 novel Coronavirus cases with 129 deaths and 16, 070 recoveries.

Source: Citibusinessnews.com