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Following the increased numbers of COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the demand for nose masks and face coverings have significantly gone up in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

The region, has about 61 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including a health worker, and has made the residents to realise the seriousness of the pandemic thereby complying with the wearing of nosemasks coupled with the other preventive protocols.

A visit by the GNA to the business district of the Metropolis revealed almost everyone spotted was either wearing a nose mask or face covering.

Officials of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and some military men were also in town to educate and ensure that people wore their face masks.

Mr Dominic Donkor, a businessman pointed out that adhering to social distancing and other preventive protocols without wearing of face masks, was tantamount to nothing and people could still be infected, if care was not taken.

He therefore called on the residents not to be recalcitrant, but strictly adhere to the mandatory use of masks and directives of WHO to combat the pandemic.

He stated that fighting COVID-19 should start from individuals and not from frontline workers and the government.

Mr Kwasi Sarkodie, who sells face mask was happy that their wearing was made compulsory, stressing it had increased the demand for the masks and enabled him to make good sales.

According to him, he made up to GH¢50.00 a day selling face masks, but initially he got only GH¢20 a day when the wearing of the mask was not made mandatory.

"I was making only 20 cedis and sometimes less than that, but now I am glad to make 50 cedis and above in a day" he said.

Some of the traders said though wearing of the masks was uncomfortable, they were forced to wear them since that was one of the major ways to stop the spread of the virus.