Following the resurgence of Covid-19, Abia State government has tasked residents of the state to make themselves available for test at the sample collection centres across the state.
Secretary to the State government, Mr. Chris Ezem, in a statement, explained that it is worried at the rise in the confirmed cases of Covid-19 and has continued to review measures already put in place to check the new surge in the state particularly with the massive influx of people into the State for the Yuletide celebration.
The statement directed council chairmen, traditional rulers, Leaders of market unions and religious organizations to embark on Advocacy and Sensitization visits on Covid-19 in line with laid down Covid-19 protocols.
“All Abians should make themselves available for covid-19 test. We wish to inform Abians that the government has set up Sample Collection Centres at the various Local Government Areas including Infectious Disease Hospital, Aba and Molecular Testing Laboratory at Amachara. All sample collections and tests are free of charge. It is expedient that all Abians must take advantage of the ongoing community testing to ascertain their Covid-19 status. Our Isolation Centres are in operation and all our Medical Protocol Team are in place.
“Government would continue to evolve ways to protect Abians, and our environment with a view to preventing further community transmission.
“As part of the measures to mitigate the effect of the pandemic in the State, all Abians are required to compulsorily wear their face masks at all times. Going forward, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), public offices, eateries, hospitals and banks are hereby directed to paste on all their entrances “No Face Mask, No Entry” notice/inscription. This is compulsory and failure to do so will attract sanction,” the statement read in part.
It also enjoined public offices to provide all Covid-19 Protocols particularly running water and hand sanitizers within their offices.
While stating that the State Covid-19 enforcement team will begin routine visits to public places to ensure compliance, the statement further urged all to observe the Covid-19 protocols in order to save their families and loved ones.