The President, Nana Akufo-Addo has announced that tourist sites across the country, as well as drinking spots, will now be allowed to open as the country gradually eases COVID-19 restrictions.

President Akufo-Addo made this known when he addressed the country on Sunday, July 26, 2020, on the management of the COVID-19 situation in the country.

He said the tourism destinations, open-air drinking spots must, however, operate with enhanced hygiene protocols being enforced while places such as pubs, nightclubs and cinemas must remain closed.

“In consultation with the Ghana Tourism Authority and the health experts, I’m announcing the reopening of our nation’s tourist sites and attractions so they can begin to receive visitors. Open-air drinking spots can now function. The management of these facilities are thus to enforce enhanced hygiene and social distancing protocol,” he said.

“Beaches, pubs, cinemas and nightclubs, however, remain closed until further notice,” the president added.

Ghana’s tourism industry has been one of the hardest hit in the outbreak of COVID-19.

Since March when the country recorded its first two cases, all tourist sites, beaches, nightclubs and others were ordered to close as part of efforts to curtail the spread of the virus.

Restaurants were however allowed to operate take-away services.

Other key measures announced by the president in this phase of easing of restrictions was the removal of the 100-member limit of congregants who could sit in church or mosques services.

The president also announced that the one-hour maximum religious service duration has been increased to two hours effective August 1, 2020.

“From 1st August, 2020, the restrictions on the number of congregants worshipping at a time in Church will be lifted, with the length of worship extended from one (1) to two (2) hours per service,” he said.

In the transport sector, the president said upon consultation with stakeholders, commercial vehicles including ‘trotros’ and taxis can revert to taking the full passenger capacity.

Source: Citibusinessnews.com