July 28, (THEWILL) – A total of 14 new cases of Covid-19 have recently been reported, as the pandemic resurfaces in Akwa Ibom state.
Speaking with newsmen in Uyo on Thursday, the Commissioner for Health, Prof Augustine Umoh, allayed the fears of residents and advised them to observe Covid-19 protocols and guidelines to guide against the spread of the pandemic.
The Commissioner explained that the 14 infected persons are quarantined in their homes, while contact tracing of members of their households and other associates continues.
“As I speak, the 14 cases that we have now are on home isolation and monitoring. The process of contact tracing has commenced for those that we could pick those that are positive for management, follow up and monitoring.”
“We have about 14 active cases in the state. So this is something we have brought to the notice of all Akwa Ibom residents for them to be cautious.
“We are not surprised. What is important now is for us to get to the former tempo that assisted us to bring the number of patients down.”
Umoh reminded residents of the state to observe covid 19 protocols, such as regular hand washing, social distancing, use of face masks and hand sanitisers.
He said the Ministry of Health has commenced another round of public enlightenment to create awareness as the mode of transmission of the disease has not changed .
“The disease is still transmitted through personal contact, nasal passage, air etc.
He disclosed that the state Ministry of Health has made adequate preparations to handle the pandemic and urged residents to fortify themselves, while the state has prepared laboratories for testing, as well as hospitals before the disease escalates.
“The facilities are ready, medications are in place while the contact tracing mechanism has been reactivated. The laboratory testing has helped us to know those who are positive for isolation.
“What we are doing now is public enlightenment to make sure that people come to terms with the fact that this is what is happening in Akwa Ibom state”, he said
He said the state government acknowledged the pandemic during the last state Executive Council meeting and advised members of the public to abide by Covid-19 guidelines.
