COVID-19: Abia SSG to Announce Details of Partial Lockdown Relaxing, as Dusk to Dawn Curfew by President Buhari Remains Active

COVID-19: Abia SSG to Announce Details of Partial Lockdown Relaxing, as Dusk to Dawn Curfew by President Buhari Remains Active

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Abia COVID-19 Update

Thursday, 7th May, 2020

1. As at 5:44pm today, the remaining COVID-19 index patient who is above 70 years old and with underlying medical conditions is stable at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Umuahia isolation centre where she is currently receiving medical attention. We are hopeful that her condition will continue to improve as we appreciate God and the medics managing her case.

2. All the additional 44 samples collected from contacts of the index patients and others returned negative results from the NCDC testing center. We are expecting results for 4 other samples and have dispatched additional 8 samples for testing today.

3. Our rapid response team has so far traced 264 samples of contacts of the two index cases and we continue to follow leads received via our telehealth contact center number 0700 2242 362.

4. Distribution of palliatives and some personal protective equipment (PPEs) continues through the state geriatric services agency, Churches, traditional rulers and other groups to vulnerable persons in the state.

5. The Secretary to State Government (SSG) will formally announce details of the partial relaxation of the ongoing lockdown in the state on Friday, 8th May, 2020, after concluding necessary agreements on the implementation protocols with relevant groups and individuals.

6. The dusk to dawn curfew (8pm – 6am) declared by President Muhammadu Buhari remains in force in the state and all security agencies and enforcement teams are expected to ensure total compliance.

7. As advised by National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Federal Government, all inter-state movements are banned till further notice. Only those duly permitted are allowed into our state with concerned vehicles not expected to have more than 2 passengers on any trip. Security agents and enforcement teams are hereby directed to diligently search such authorized vehicles on inter-state routes to ensure that unauthorised individuals do not enter our state while hiding inside the vehicles.

8. Wearing of face masks remains compulsory in the state. All citizens, residents and visitors are expected to comply with this directive at all times. It is important to emphasize that face masks are not “chin masks” and enforcement teams are expected to arrest and try violators in mobile courts.

9. We strongly advise residents of the state to maintain vigilance, take necessary precautions and report suspected COVID-19 cases to 0700 2242 362 as the expected partial relaxation of the lockdown measures does not signal an end to the COVID-19 pandemic in the world. Our local infection risk assessment remains high and everyone is duty-bound to take necessary measures to protect him/herself, family, and friends.

Thank you.

Chief John Okiyi Kalu
Honorable Commissioner for Information, Abia State
07/05/2020