COVID-19: New pandemic measures implemented

IMPACT – HIGH

Ghana’s government recently implemented new measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

• The cost of the mandatory COVID-19 PCR test for travelers arriving in Ghana has been reduced from USD$150 to USD$50 for Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nationals. The fee for non-ECOWAS nationals remains at USD$150.
• Non-Ghanaian nationals who test positive for COVID-19 on arrival will bear the full cost of their isolation and treatment. Ghanaians who test positive for COVID-19 will have their isolation costs and treatment paid for by the government.
• All workplaces must employ a shift work system for workers in addition to technological substitutes for work. This is done to reduce the number of people in a workplace at a given time.
• Land and sea borders remain closed to all travelers for entering and leaving the country, except for those transporting cargo, goods and supplies.

Background: Previously, all travelers were required to pay USD$150 for the mandatory COVID-19 PCR test before arriving at Ghana’s airport.

Analysis & Comments: The reduction in the cost of the COVID-19 PCR test is in line with the Economic Community of West African States directives to cap the cost of COVID-19 PCR tests for traveling ECOWAS nationals within the region to USD$50. The Ghanaian government may announce additional updates in the coming weeks as the situation evolves. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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