All samples from Abia State sent to the National Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC) have come back negative as the State continue to collect samples for early detection and control.
The most recent, being the sample of a 15-yr old female, who resides at Ubakala, Umuahia, which was sent for testing at the NCDC facility in Ebonyi State, has returned negative.
In a post, Chief John Okiyi Kalu noted that “coronavirus is not a death sentence and those who suspect they may have contracted the disease should feel free to report early through our tele-health facility number, 0700 2242 362, for immediate review, sample collection and testing, where necessary.”
He used the post to urge all hospitals in the state not to turn back patients that present with common cold, catarrh or cough but strictly follow all safety protocols given to them by the medical team of the Inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19.
There is no reason or basis to stigmatize suspected COVID-19 patients but we strongly urge those who suspect they may have had contact with infected persons to immediately isolate themselves and call the Tele-Health numbers. With early diagnosis, it is easy to manage patients of COVID-19 and we have the necessary resources to nurse them back to good health.
The post wants everybody to work together to win the war against COVID-19 in our dear state by applying the following measures:
“- Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds or use original hand sanitizers
– Maintain social distance of at least 1.5m while speaking with others
– Wear face masks when leaving your house or caring for a suspected COVID-19 patient
-“Take responsibility. Coronavirus spreads easily from person to person when people gather together. Stay at home to protect yourself and others”-NCDC
Together, we can keep Abia State SAFE from COVID-19,” the post said.