The second index patient in Abia State, who is above 71 years old and with underlying medical condition has been declared COVID-19 free and discharged from isolation at Federal Medical Center, Umuahia.
The Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, who disclosed this in his Abia COVID-19 Update, said all the active cases in isolation at the Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Amachara, are clinically stable.
Chief Kalu also disclosed that one new case was confirmed on Tuesday, 26th May, 2020, with an additional two on Wednesday, 27th May, 2020, which brings Abia State total confirmed cases to 10 with 4 discharged.
The update stated that the new confirmed cases are residents of Aba with no record of recent travel outside the State, hence, might be possible cases of community infection.
It disclosed that one new confirmed patient escaped from a holding facility in Aba and is yet to be apprehended.
The Update equally revealed that “Contact tracing has commenced for the new confirmed cases with samples collection ongoing while the private medical facility in Aba where one of them was previously being managed for other medical issues has been decontaminated and temporarily closed down.
“We are awaiting results for samples collected from contacts of the confirmed patients and will inform as appropriate when received.
“We urge all citizens and residents to take necessary measures to protect themselves as we have evidence of community infection within our state.
We are also concerned about recent COVID-19 related events in a neighboring state and wish to emphasize the need for total vigilance while we work hard to protect our people,” Kalu added.
While wearing of face mask before leaving the house is compulsory he advised that it should be properly worn at all times as one may not know who is infected or not.
He reiterated the importance of observing social distancing regulations and regular
washing of hands under running water or use original hand sanitizers.
Chief Kalu informed that “Our medical rapid response team will continue with ongoing case searches across the state while we await delivery of molecular testing equipment already paid for by the state.”
“We remain confident that, with the grace of God, we have the capacity to nurse our patients back to good health even as we continue to expand our capacity to safely isolate and manage those who are infected.
” We call on all citizens to avoid stigmatizing COVID-19 patients, their family members and communities, as this disease is not a death sentence on anyone and nobody in our state or country is responsible for the outbreak of the global pandemic.”
According to him, rather than engage in stigmatization of patients and rumour mongering, anyone experiencing symptoms of coronavirus infection or one that knows someone who is manifesting same should call 0700 2242 362.
“Our state is grateful to men and women working in the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19 at great risk to themselves and their families. We urge all to continue to remember them in your prayers.
“COVID-19 is REAL but you can help prevent it from infecting you or your loved ones and help to stop the spread: TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY TODAY,” Chief Kalu said.
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