A’Ibom Health Professionals Task Govt on COVID-19

A Coalition of Health Professionals in Akwa Ibom State has tasked the state government on the enforcement of a partial lockdown policy in the state to check the coronavirus pandemic.

This was contained in a communique issued by the coalition at the end of their meeting yesterday in Uyo, the state capital.

Members of the coalition include the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Pharmacy Society of Nigeria (PSN), and Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN).

The communiqué, which was signed by the Chairman of NMA, Dr Nsikak Nyoyoko; Mr. Patrick Odu (NANNM), Dr. Akwaowoh Akpabio (PSN) and Mrs. Emilia Eliezer (AMLSN), urged the state government to set up surveillance screening posts at all border entry points.

“The leadership calls on the state government to immediately apply a partial lockdown policy in Akwa Ibom State. Set up surveillance screening posts at all points of entry (borders) into the state.

“All motorists should fill surveillance forms and be screened at these points. The leadership suggests that all civil servants from Grade level 12 and below should be directed to stay at home except for those on essential duty.

“We call on the government to enforce social distancing by placing a ban on all social gatherings of more than 50 persons in line with the directives of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19.

“We appeal to our religious leaders and the public to cooperate with the government order,” communique stated.