A COVID-19 Sensitization program was organized by the KNUST Society of Social Science. The program was scheduled to take place at the CCB auditorium at 10:00 AM.
The event was themed “The increasing COVID-19 cases and its psychological implications on academic work”.
Present to grace the occasion were renowned health professionals from the KNUST Hospital, the Examination officer of the faculty of social sciences, and other distinguished personalities.
At the beginning of the program, some students were given the opportunity to air their views on the upcoming Mid-Semester Examinations if they should be taken virtually or not.
The Examination officer for the faculty, Dr. Dr. Edward Kofi Adu Manyah directed the students to the faculty’s website for information on which courses whose Examination will be conducted virtually.
He also urged that students with challenges with respect to gadgets such as laptops and smartphones report to their Examiners for special arrangements to be made for them.
As part of the program’s objectives, there was a discussion on a preview of the Covid-19 virus, the symptoms of the disease, its effects, and safety precautions to be taken into consideration.
Health professionals that were present urged all students to observe the safety protocols such as the proper washing of hands and social distancing seriously in order not to contract the Covid-19.
One of the Health Professionals, Dr. Agyemang, gave a talk on the psychological impact of Covid-19 on students. He explained that the continued rise in the number of active cases and death toll can increase the anxiety and stress of students as they reflect on these victims being human beings( Friends, Family, loved ones) and not just numbers.
He went on to indicate that sometimes, the wearing of masks is very stressful but must be worn in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Dr. Agyemang mentioned that the anxiety students feel when there is the fear of getting infected and how they are going to write their exams and feel safe at the same time can lead to psychological worry.
According to Dr. Agyemang, Covid-19 has increased the stress on students due to anxiety, financial problems from home, and low social support.
In his closing remarks, he noted that there was the need for everyone to embrace the times we are in and not to find problems with safety protocols as prevention is better than cure.
He ended by giving a bit of advice, that students should exercise, openly have discussions about Covid-19, and be strong in their faith.
