Abia State Government has continued to warn Abia 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
The Secretary to the State Government, Barr Chris Ezem, who gave the warning in a release disclosed that Abia State, as at Monday recorded 67 new cases bringing the total number of infected persons in the State to 83.
Barr. Ezem who is also the Chairman, Abia State COVID-19 Committee, explained that while a reasonable number from among that has 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 release informed that aggressive contact tracing is in progress in the State in order to contain any further spread of the virus.
According to the release, Government has issued the following directives in line with its avowed responsibility of ensuring the safety of all Abians:
“That all private and public hospitals must 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 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. Government reiterates that our policy on closure of schools still subsists. To this end, Government directs Hon. Commissioner for Education and all Education Secretaries of the 17 LGAs 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 government will not hesitate to clamp down on erring churches and/or review its directives on religious gatherings.
“TC Chairmen 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. Government also enjoins the general public to report any person demanding burial permit fee from them for appropriate sanction.
“All other forms of public gatherings remain outlawed including weddings of any form and drinking in public places, night clubs etc.”
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 our patients back to good health.
It informed the general public that appropriate machinery for random testing in all the 17 Local Government Areas is being put in place and solicited the cooperation of all Abians in the efforts to curtail the spread of the pandemic in the State.
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