Abia state government says it is putting appropriate machinery in place to start random testing of people in all the seventeen Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, in order to curtail the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the State.
This follows an increase in the number of infected persons in the state. Abia as at Wednesday, June 10, 2020 has recorded 97 infected persons.
Okezie Ikpeazu, the state governor, is currently in isolation, after testing positive for the virus.
Consequently, the state government has warned citizens and residents that Coronavirus is real while reemphasizing the need for all to rise against the spread of the pandemic in the state, by dutifully observing all COVID-19 protocols.
Chris Ezem, Secretary to the State Government, who gave the warning in a statement, disclosed that aggressive contact tracing was in progress in the State in order to contain any further spread of the virus.
Ezem, who is also chairman, Abia State COVID-19 Committee, explained that while a reasonable number from those that tested positive have been nursed back to good health and discharged, the State Medical Protocol Team was working assiduously to ensure speedy recovery of the others affected.
The government however warned private and public hospitals to desist from turning back patients, who show up at their facilities for the treatment of one ailment or the other.
“It is strongly advised that any suspected case of COVID-19, should not be rejected, but be promptly referred for a test.
“Government will not hesitate to seal-off any health facility found flouting this directive.
“Government’s attention has been drawn to some schools surreptitiously reopening and illegally carrying out private tutorials. The government reiterates that our policy on the closure of schools still subsists.
“To this end, Government directs the Commissioner for Education and all Education Secretaries of the 17 local government areas in the State, to strictly monitor all private and public schools in their respective domains and report any school operating contrary to Government directive for appropriate sanction.
“Government is equally worried by the conduct of some churches operating in breach of government directives in regards to 50 persons per stream, two persons per pew, social distancing and wearing of face masks.
“Church leaders should not allow their places of worship to become veritable grounds for the spreading of this virus, otherwise the government will not hesitate to clamp down on erring churches and/or review its directives on religious gatherings.
“Transition Committee Chairmen of the LGAs are once again requested to review their various enforcement teams and processes for a more efficient output, to stem the tide of current spread. “Enforcement of government directives on borders, markets, burials, religious activities, transportation and use of face masks must be intensified and fully adhered to.
“Government will come hard on any Local Government found wanting in ensuring compliance of these directives.
“Government wishes to emphasise that collection of burial permit is free of charge. The government also enjoins the general public to report any person demanding burial permit fees from them for appropriate sanction.
“All other forms of public gatherings remain outlawed including weddings of any form and drinking in public places and night clubs.”
The release urged all Abians to be more cautious in observing all COVID-19 directives in the interest of all and assured that the medical protocol team is doing the needful to nurse its patients back to good health.
