We have no record of coronavirus in Akwa Ibom, says govt

The Akwa Ibom state government says there is no confirmed case of coronavirus in the state.

Domnic Ukpong, commissioner of health, made this known during an update on the global pandemic at government house, Uyo, the state capital.

“Let me use this opportunity to state emphatically that, as at today, there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 disease in Akwa Ibom State. If and when there is, it will be announced through official quarters,” he said.

“The state government has set up monitoring processes at the various entry points to the state, adding that the Victor Attah International Airport,Uyo currently has the most sophisticated passengers screening facility/process in Nigeria.

“Functional ambulances and rapid response teams are on standby to move suspected or confirmed cases, if any, to the Emergency Operation and Treatment Centre (EOC), in Ikot Ekpene. We have distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to all health facilities to facilitate infection prevention and control.

“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. We have set up incidents management rooms in the major secondary health care facilities in the state.”

Ukpong added that training and intensive enlightenment awareness sessions have been conducted in all nooks and crannies of the state, saying the road transport workers union have been directed to provide hand washing facilities with soap and running water as well as hand sanitisers at the entrance to all parks/garages.

“Commercial vehicle operators are instructed to reduce the number of passengers in their vehicles by half of the standard capacity of the vehicle. Similarly, passengers are advised to wash their hands with soap and running water and sanitize them before and after each trip,” he said.

On containment at coastal borders, the health commissioner said: “We call on the Nigerian Navy to heighten their patrol of our shorelines ; which are under their jurisdiction, to check the influx of foreigners into the state and reduce the chances of infected persons gaining illegal entry into the state.

“We have directed the chairmen of all Local Government areas to set up emergency response task force to monitor and promptly report suspected cases.”

He urged anyone with symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, generally feeling unwell (malaise), common cold (catarrh or runny nose, sneezing, cough) should self-isolate and invite the Emergency Response Team for assessment and follow-up.

“Furthermore, if you notice any person with these symptoms, please report immediately. The numbers to call are: 0818-941-1111, 0904-557-5515, 0703-521-1919. We reassure you that the identity of the caller will be held in confidentiality,”he said