Abia assures citizens of CIVID- 19 containment despite rising cases

Introduces new safety, preventive measures, intrastate transport directives

ABIA State Covid- 19 Committee has assured residents of the state that government was determined to contain the pandemic in spite of rising cases, which now stand at 320.

So far, of the 320 active cases, 207 infected persons have been discharged, while the state had recorded no death, but the committee admonished residents not to panic, stressing that they should comply with all prescribed preventive and safety protocols.

Chairman of the Committee and Secretary to the State Government ( SSG), Chris Ezem, stated this yesterday while announcing new measures imposed by the committee.

He, however, attributed the rising number of victims of community transmission to increased testing facilities and number of persons being screened.

“The Abia State Government has acquired two testing facilities and is planning to add another one in Aba. The expected increase in number should not be a source of panic or worry because the cases are still low,” he said.

He, however, stressed that the situation called for caution, discipline, personal hygiene and strict compliance to State Infection Prevention Control Measures ( IPCMS).

Ezem pointed out that following Federal Government’s lifting of the ban on interstate movement, the state government had introduced new guidelines on intrastate transportation.

He disclosed that tricycle ( keke) operators would now carry maximum of two persons, minibus ( Oke- bekee), maximum of five passengers, while Hiace and Coaster buses would carry a maximum of seven and 14 commuters respectively.

“It is mandatory for all drivers and passengers to wear face masks throughout their trips and comply with the new curfew duration. The state government will provide digital thermometers at borders to screen interstate travellers.

“Those who fail the screening would be turned back or quarantined in the nearest isolation centres. Security agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the use of face masks and apprehend violators of the directives,” he said.

The SSG explained that markets would now open from Mondays to Fridays between 7 a. m. and 5 p. m. under strict observance of stipulated preventive measures with regular fumigation of the markets, which he said indicated that modalities for reopening of schools were already being worked out.