The novel omicron Covid-19 variants BA4 and BA5 are more contagious than the earlier variations BA1 and BA2, according to the Director of the West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP).
The BA4 and BA5 variations are sub-variants of the Omicron variant, according to Professor Gordon Awandare.
Professor Awandare said the BA4 variation has firmly entrenched itself across the country, producing the 5th wave, in an appearance on JoyFM's NewsNight on Monday.
After the country began collecting additional instances in the last few weeks, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirmed three Covid-19-related deaths.
Between June 14 and June 16, three fatalities were reported. In addition, GHS has recorded 243 additional cases. 14 of the instances were severe, and two persons were critically ill.
The majority of residents have been exposed to the virus, according to Prof Awandare, which is driving the 5th wave.
"Our antibody testing results reveal that over 80% of us have already been exposed to Covid, but because these are novel versions that we haven't seen before, past exposure to the other variant won't protect us from this one." That is why they are now predominating and effectively controlling transmission," he explained.
To address the matter, he believes that vaccination is necessary, noting that evidence "shows that if you had past exposure to the other variety and you get vaccinated, you get vaccinated."
You have a higher chance against this variety if you get vaccinated than if you don't get immunized."
The Ghana Health Service has also encouraged people to resume using face masks.
Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, spoke to the media on Wednesday and suggested that face masks be worn in schools, churches, and other enclosed locations to prevent the virus from spreading.
In the meanwhile, the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital is on high alert for Covid-19 infections, since 23 of its employees have been infected.
According to a letter sent to staff by the facility's management, around 70% of the diseases were acquired in the hospital and 30% were spread through the community.
The virus has infected five physicians, 13 nurses, and five non-clinical personnel. Twenty of the employees have been completely immunized, while three have not been inoculated.