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Former President Jerry John Rawlings is chronicling the shocking death of Mr. Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John), the hospitalization of Messrs Mac Manu and Carlos Ahenkorah, among others, as a sharp reminder of the deadly risk the society faces in underestimating the new coronavirus disease.

In a tweet Thursday, Rawlings said “it does not appear that we can afford the comfort of thinking the Covid-19 virus has gone weak or lessened its grip. It is there and very much around waiting to infect and claim the lives of those of us who will underestimate its danger.”

According to him, a senior medical doctor at 37 barely survived Covid-19 several weeks ago after the wife had passed on from contracting the virus, saying that may have been the first shocking wake-up call that the virus is real and deadly.

“Yesterday Sir John passed on and Peter Mac Manu and Carlos Ahenkorah are in ICU. Another minister, Dan Botwe has barely survived the icy claws of the virus. A foreign doctor based in Ashaiman has also recently succumbed to the disease.”

Rawlings said there's a limit to what those in authority can do and that a lot more depends on our very personal discipline and mindfulness.

“Let us wake up! There are too many gatherings that ignore Covid-19 preventive protocols. As we go through the process of voter registration, let us not let down our guard. It may be our last mistake. Let's wear our masks, maintain appropriate social distancing, basic cough etiquettes and proper hand and general hygiene protocols.

He also urged “Stay safe! Stay alive!”

Sir John died Wednesday evening reportedly from Covid-19 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital where he was on admission after reporting sick.

In tearful tributes, many including President Akufo-Addo have described the passing of the affable politician as shocking.

Meanwhile reports indicate that Mr. Mac Manu, New Patriotic Party campaign manager for Election 2020, as well as Deputy Trade Minister Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah, are responding to treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the Korle Bu Hospital.