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For emphasis, let me state here unequivocally that there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 disease in Akwa Ibom State as I speak to you. As a matter of fact, the measures put in place at our Airport is comprehensive and has no parallel anywhere in West Africa.
My Fellow AKWAIBOMITES, I bring you greetings and urge that we continue to stand in faith in the face of the global pandemic which has shaken the world to its foundations.
You may have read a rash of mischievous info peddled by certain media platforms on the status of COVID-19
You may have read a rash of mischievous info peddled by certain media platforms on the status of COVID-19
I want to assure the public that the rumours and false information going around on social media are completely false.
In our usual proactive stance, I had, weeks ago, given the Comm for Health, the marching order to be on top of the issue & an Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Task Force was immediately set up. This was even bf the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in Nigeria was recorded
Some of our actions initiated include:
1. Creating awareness
a. Through the media, both print and electronic, jingles to sensitize the residents with relevant information on COVID-19 infection are ongoing in the State in English, pidgin and local dialects.
1. Creating awareness
a. Through the media, both print and electronic, jingles to sensitize the residents with relevant information on COVID-19 infection are ongoing in the State in English, pidgin and local dialects.
b. Sensitization and awareness campaigns have been taken to nooks and crannies of the State, notably, Local Government Offices, Traditional Institutions, Religious bodies, educational institutions, Public and Private hospitals.
Surveillance, prevention and infection control measures have been instituted in our hospitals:
a. Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) have been distributed to all health facilities to facilitate infection prevention and control.
a. Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) have been distributed to all health facilities to facilitate infection prevention and control.
b. Other screening and infection materials have been
procured and are being distributed to health facilities and other strategic locations in the State. These include Infra-red thermometers, hand sanitizers etc.
procured and are being distributed to health facilities and other strategic locations in the State. These include Infra-red thermometers, hand sanitizers etc.
3. Screening has been instituted at various entry points to the State. Functional ambulances and rapid response teams are on standby to move suspected or confirmed cases, if any, to the Emergency Operation Centre at Ikot Ekpene.
The Emergency Operation and Treatment Centre (EOC), in Ikot Ekpene is ready to serve as an isolation/treatment centre to receive, and care for any confirmed case of COVID-19 infection if it occurs. We are also monitoring other entry point to the State.
4. The State Ministry of Health is in constant communication with National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Directorate of Public Health Services has received sample collection kits from NCDC and are updating the management of the Ministry on COVID-19 data daily
I want to advise that we should all continue to observe the simple rules of Personal and Respiratory Hygiene:
a. Regular hand washing with soap under running water.
b. Use of hand sanitizer where there is no water.
c. Coughing/sneezing into a disposable tissue paper
a. Regular hand washing with soap under running water.
b. Use of hand sanitizer where there is no water.
c. Coughing/sneezing into a disposable tissue paper
Put on a mask if you cannot properly move away from any person with those symptoms and or give the person a mask to wear.
It is also important to observe SOCIAL DISTANCING, avoid hand shaking, and keep at least six feet away from anyone who is sneezing or coughing.
It is also important to observe SOCIAL DISTANCING, avoid hand shaking, and keep at least six feet away from anyone who is sneezing or coughing.
I would like to remind you of some symptoms of the infection which include: Fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, generally feeling unwell (malaise), common cold (catarrh or runny nose, sneezing, cough).
Anyone with these symptoms should self-isolate and invite our Emergency Response Team for assessment and follow-up. WE encourage u to report members of your family or friends with these symptoms to the Ministry of Health. Your report will be treated with absolute confidentiality
Finally, I want to appeal to our people, especially journalists to exercise utmost caution and deep sense of rationality and reflection in the manner you report this Global pandemic. There is no redeeming value in causing panic in the State.
This disease has no political coloration. It does not and will not spare those to be infected along political lines; therefore, we should put aside our political affiliations and tackle this issue as an existential threat.
Given the measures aforestated, it is our belief that there is no need to shut down our public schools, which are supposed to close in a week’s time.
I urge you to go about your normal duties
Thank you and God bless.
I urge you to go about your normal duties
Thank you and God bless.
