Okowa Announces Measures To Combat COVID-19 Pandemic, Says No Case Yet In Delta

Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta state, on Friday announced measures to combat the dreaded Coronavirus in the state, even as he said there is yet no confirmed case of the virus in the state.

The governor, however ordered that closure of all primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the state effect from Thursday, March 26, 2020 for 30 days.

He spoke while officially addressing the people of the state on the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic which had affected global health and economic sector.

Okowa said that in a bid to avert the outbreak in the state, government have taken the following proactive steps to prevent the spread of the disease and stop transmission if it occurs.

The State Government has already established a purpose-built and well-equipped isolation centre at the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba to handle any emergency.

“We have embarked on training of healthcare personnel to work at the isolation ward, he said.

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According to him, the training and engagement of 129 Red Cross workers across the State is on-going in addition to identified and established holding rooms in all zonal and all state hospitals across the State.

“Training of five members of the Rapid Response Team in each Local Government Area. Training of laboratory scientists on sample collection, he added.

The governor also disclosed that an arrival cards, filed and completed would henceforth be issued to all in-bound passengers and crew in the two airports (Warri and Asaba) and three seaports (Warri, Koko, and Sapele).

This is in addition to the measures already in place for all passengers arriving Asaba airport who are already subjected to temperature measurement.

“All incoming sea vessels to observe a 14-day quarantine period to be cleared by the Port health personnel before birthing in any seaport in Delta State.

“We are also assisting in the local production of alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

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“The Ministries of Health and Information have been mandated to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to inform and sensitize the public on safety protocols regarding COVID-19”, he added.

He also directed all government offices, Supermarkets, malls, churches and other places of worship to provide right type of hand sanitizers for people to use.

“Parents should endeavour to provide hand sanitizers for their children.
Hand wash stations must also be provided at easily identifiable points in the markets. The leaders of the various market associations to please take note.

“Finally, I wish to emphasize that we shall overcome this threat. We must take precaution, yes. But panic, CAPITAL NO! We are carefully monitoring developments around the country and the State and will update Deltans accordingly and, where necessary, take drastic actions.

He, however warned against publishing unverified information capable of causing panic and fear, especially on the social media about the pandemic.

“At this point, what we must fear most is the spread of false information not even the virus itself; infodemic is a greater danger than the pandemic. Deltans are, therefore, far advised to get information from ONLY official channels, the governor said.

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As at Monday, 16, March this year, cases of COVID-19 have been reported in 151 countries. In Nigeria, there have been 12 confirmed cases with one death recorded so far.

Below are the numbers to call in case of any emergency in Delta:

0803 075 8179 – State Epidemiologist
0803 507 8541 – State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer

0803 352 1961 – State Incident Manager
0906 503 1241 – State Health Educator