Chapter 20

In times such as these, the health authorities overruled the power of the family over individuals and did their burial. Neither Obaa Yaa nor Gyebi and Asabea were allowed access to Adukwei's body and that was final. The pandemic had caused too much havoc to take chances. Their decision to take Obaa Yaa through school seemed tangible but the rate at which people were dying would not allow time for children to even go out to school. It was too risky. It seemed, like it or not, Obaa Yaa must stay in the orphanage until further notice. Gyebi, after a while, succumbed to fever and cough. Asabea knew at once that her friend had been hit hard by the cold hands of the pandemic, that they needed to act fast before it got full hold of him. Asabea feared the worst. She would be quarantined once more. All the staff needed to be quarantined. Fortunately, those who tested negative might be able to continue with the work.