Covid-19: Abia reinstates protocols to mitigate recent surge

Following recent surge in number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 globally, Abia State Government has directed full re-launch of preventive and control measures in order to mitigate the effect of the pandemic on the people of the state.

Consequently, it advised citizens and residents in the State to take personal responsibility for their protection and that of their loved ones, by adhering to Covid-19 protocols in the State.

Chris Ezem, secretary to Abia State/chairman Inter-Ministerial Committee on Covid-19 in a statement, issued late Tuesday, urged Abians to continue to observe social distance, regular hand washing, compulsory use of face masks and hand sanitizers.

Government also directs immediate re-instatement of all Covid-19 protocols, as it affects religious activities in the State and urged all Covid-19 market committees to brace up to the new challenge and ensure strict compliance to the Covid-19 protocols in all markets in the State.

Transporters were also urged to ensure that government directives on number of passengers and use of face masks by both driver and passengers are strictly adhered to, while residents were further reminded that use of face masks is compulsory for all and sundry in the State.

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Ezem warned that burial events must be carried out in line with COVID-19 protocols with respect to provision of running water, hand sanitizers, use of face masks and social distancing.

Secretary to Abia State Government insisted that all eateries and hospitality industries, including hoteliers, must ensure full compliance with approved protocols at their various premises.

He urged Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) to ensure that the forthcoming local government election scheduled for December 18, 2020, in the State are conducted within the strictest rules of Covid-19 protocols.

In order to ensure full compliance with the protocols for preventions and protection of Ndi Abia, Government directed that Commissioner for Home Land Security, Dan Okoli, head the compliance enforcement team in the State.

The team was charged to liaise with relevant security agencies, market and transport unions and Transition Committee Chairmen of the various Local Government Areas, to set up a watertight team that will ensure that NCDC guidelines are obeyed across the State at all times.

Government however assured that arrangements have been concluded to ensure that as soon as the Covid-19 vaccine is available in the country, Abians will be the first in line to receive it.

Government reassured that no resident or citizens of Abia State will be left behind, as it would soon inaugurate State Advisory Committee on the quick distribution of the vaccines, starting from the most vulnerable persons in the State.

Government reminded Ndi-Abia and all those returning to the State for the yuletide that its molecular laboratories are well in operation and that they should call at any of the laboratories in Aba and Amachara, Umuahia, for Covid-19 test to confirm their status.

Government further reminded Ndi-Abia that community testing is still ongoing, while its medical protocol team is in place to nurse any positive case back to good health.