NMA Raises Fresh Concern Of Possible COVID- 19 Deaths In C’river

NIGERIAN Medical Association ( NMA), Cross River State chapter, has again raised concern over possible coronavirus disease ( COVID19) deaths in the state.

In a statement yesterday signed by its chairman, Dr. Agam Ayurk, and the secretary, Dr. Ezoke Epoke, the association noted that it had received several reports from the Surveillance and Epidemiology Unit that delay in some post- mortem sample collections led to rising number of deaths of suspected cases of COVID- 19 in the state.

It, therefore, called for rapid response and urgent transportation of samples within 24 hours of collection with daily situation reports to avoid fake news or anxiety.

“The association has received several reports of delayed response by the State Surveillance and Epidemiology Unit to calls for patient review and sample collection. In some cases, delays have led to a post- mortem sample collection.

“We call for rapid response and urgent transportation of samples within 24 hours of the collection with daily Situation Report ( SITREP) made available to the public to avoid fake news and allay anxiety. The quick response time has become more imperative due to the rising number of deaths from suspected cases in the state, the most recent being a health worker,” they stated. NMA regretted losing one of its health workers to the virus, saying it had become worrisome that the COVID- 19 testing breakdown by states as at May 17, 2020, revealed that Cross River had carried out only seven tests.

The association, however, commended the state government and its COVID- 19 task force for their efforts towards setting up the 100- bed Adiabo Isolation Centre in the state capital and early implementation of the compulsory use of face mask.

It called for caution with the resumption of public worship in the state tomorrow.