By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
No fewer than 14 fresh cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Akwa Ibom State, with the infected being quarantined at their homes.
Speaking to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday, the Commisioner for Health, Prof Augustine Umoh allayed fears of residents and advised them to observe COVID -19 protocols and guidelines to tackle the pandemic.
The Commissioner for Health explained that homes of infected persons have been identified while contact tracing of members of their households and other associates continues.
“As I speak, the 14 cases we have now are on home isolation and monitoring. The process of contact tracing has recommenced for those that we could pick that are positive for management, follow up and monitoring.
“We have about 14 active cases in the state. So this is something we have brought to the notice of all Akwa Ibom residents for them to be prepared.
“We are not surprised. What is important now is for us to get to the former tempo that assisted us to bring the number of patients down .”
Umoh reminded residents of the state to observe covid -19 protocols such as regular hand washing, social distancing, use of face masks and hand sanitizers.
He said the Ministry of Health has commenced another round of public enlightenment to create awareness as the mode of transmission of the disease has not changed.
“The disease is still transmitted through personal contact, nasal passage, air etc.”
He disclosed that the state Ministry of Health has made adequate preparations to handle the pandemic and urged residents to fortify themselves while the state has prepared laboratories for testing as well as hospitals before the disease escalates.
“The facilities are ready, medical are in place while contact tracing mechanism has been reactivated. The laboratories testing have helped us to know those who are positive for isolation.
“What we are doing now is public enlightenment to make sure that people come to terms with the fact that this is what is happening in Akwa Ibom state” he said.
He said the state government has acknowledged the pandemic during the last state Executive Council meeting and advised members of the public to abide by COVID-19 guidelines.
