Abia State Government has inaugurated a committee to manage the prevention and preparation to handle issues around the reported outbreak of Coronavirus in Nigeria.
The committee, which was inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr Chris Ezem, at the Government House, Umuahia, has its terms of reference to include: launching preventive media campaigns; putting machinery in place to protect vulnerable groups such as school children; identification and preparation of isolation centers in case of any outbreak in the state; procurement of test kits and drugs as well as coordination with state and Federal Agencies.
Barr Ezem enjoined the members to ensure that no stone was left unturned to protect the people of the State and residents alike from the reported Coronavirus outbreak as the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration prioritizes the health and safety of the citizens above other considerations.
He gave the assurance that Government would provide necessary resources to support the committee in the discharge of its mandate without any hindrance.
The committee will be chaired by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Osuji, with the commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, his counterparts in Homeland Security, Prince Dan Okoli, as members while the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Chief Chijioke Madumere, will serve as the Secretary, .
Responding on behalf of the committee, the chairman, Dr Osuji, observed that the State Ministry of Health work early enough to put necessary preventive measures in place as well as the establishment of response protocols in case of any outbreak in the State.
He added that the Ministry had already identified isolation centers in Umuahia and Aba while working on a third center to be located in Abia North Senatorial Zone.
Dr Osuji further called on the people of the State to observe good hygiene practices including regular washing of hands, cleaning of their environment and prompt reporting of suspected cases to medical facilities in the State.
He informed that the Ministry had already procured face masks and gloves for distribution to medical centers and would soon embark on preventive screening of people who visit government offices and other high risk public places.
Other terms of reference for the committee include: mitigation plan to prevent collapse of trade and commerce in the state in the unlikely event of an outbreak, defining a plan to protect public places including eateries, hotels and restaurants. The committee is also to liaise with medical institutions in the State and beyond to coordinate response and testing as well as advise Government on any other incidental step that is necessary to combat the disease in case it breaks out in the State.
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