COVID-19: Abia records two index cases

COVID-19: Abia records two index cases

By Ijendu Iheaka

Abia government on Monday evening announced the confirmation of two cases of Coronavirus in the state by the Nigeria Disease Control Centre (NCDC)

The announcement came on the heels of the apprehension of a young man falsely named Vincent Prosper declared wanted on Saturday for inviting NCDC to pick him on suspicion he had the symptoms.

According to the information, Prosper later vanished on citing the arrival of the State’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Team.

The Abia Information Commissioner, Chief Okeiyi Kalu who announced the confirmation of the cases through a press release via his Facebook page said that the result of Vincent Prosper however returned negative.

“We have received the report of two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Abia State this evening from NCDC. 

“Both patients are advanced in age but currently stable at an isolation center in our state.

“On the direction of the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, we have deployed our ventilators to the isolation center in readiness for their use if eventually required to nurse them back to good health. 

“Our well trained medical personnel are offering all necessary support and we hope and pray the patients survive this ailment. 

“Contact tracing has commenced in earnest and our rapid response team is currently moving to bring in those who may have had contact with the two index cases.

“Meanwhile, the result of “Prosper Vincent” returned negative and he will promptly be released from isolation”, he said.

Kalu enjoined all Abia residents not to panic but to continue to observe all the safety guidelines issued by NCDC and the state inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19

He urged the residents to stay at home unless there is a compelling need to go out either to buy drugs or food adding that when such need arises, one should move with a face mask on.

He also reminded them to wash their hands regularly with soap under running water for at least 20 seconds or use original hand sanitizers to decontaminate them.

Kalu reiterated the need for the residents to observe social distancing and also avoid crowds.

The commissioner further urged them not open any market to trade and, to stop using public transport until further notice.

“Based on the age of the patients, we are looking at a possible community transmission and will strongly advice that all those who may have come in contact with the two individuals who hail from Ukwa and Umuahia North areas of the state immediately call 0700 2242 362.

“The Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, will be addressing the media tomorrow (April 21, 2020) on this development in Abia”, he wrote.