Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has ordered a curfew in Abia
State following the recently confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the state.
The 6pm - 6am
curfew which will take off from Sunday April 26, will last for 7 days and is
expected to help in thorough contact tracing with special emphasis on the three
local government areas of Ukwa West, Ikwuano and Umuahia North.
It was further gathered that the 2 Coronavirus cases
in the state who are above 70 years and with underlying illness, are currently
stable and responding to treatment.
A press statement from the Abia state government
reads;
1. We are all aware that Abia has registered 2
Covid-19 cases at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Umuahia. Though the
patients are above 70 years in age and have underlying illnesses, they are currently
stable and responding to treatment.
2. In view of the circumstances of our index cases,
we are doing extensive contact tracing, which is taking epidemiologists to
three Local Government Areas of Ukwa West, Ikwuano and Umuahia North. Presently, about 237 contacts have been established
and we are still counting.
3. Unfortunately, our medics are experiencing some
challenges in some communities especially Umuorie in Ukwa West, therefore the
TC Chairman of Ukwa West and the relevant Traditional Rulers must yield
unfettered access and cooperation to the medical team or risk immediate
suspension.
4. There shall be a 6pm - 6am curfew in Abia State
from Sunday, 26th April, 2020, for 7 days to allow for thorough contact
tracing, with special emphasis on the three local government areas of Ukwa
West, Ikwuano and Umuahia North. The Transition Council Chairmen of the three
LGAs should ensure unfettered access to the members of the medical rapid
response team of the COVID-19 committee. Additionally, all TC Chairmen of the
state's 17 LGAs, as well as Honorable Commissioners, should be on top of the
lockdown exercise in order to ensure full compliance with the lockdown by
citizens and residents in their respective constituencies. Failure to adhere to
these directives will attract sanctions.
5. All Transition Council Chairmen should take
charge of enforcement of curfew and lockdown processes in their respective LGAs
while the Transition Council Chairmen of Ukwa West, Ikwuano and Umuahia North
LGAs must ensure strict compliance and adherence to government directives
especially concerning contact tracing.
6. I hereby direct the Secretary to State Government
(SSG) to expand the committee on palliatives to include selected members of
Nigeria Union of Journalists, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),
traditional rulers, civil society organizations and Presidents General of
Development Associations.
7. The palliative sub-committee shall embark on the
distribution of further food and protective items from community to community,
starting from next week. Associations of Ndi Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and
Akwa Ibom will also be reached.
8. We will make provision for artisans such as
vehicle mechanics and others like Keke operators and commercial bus drivers
during the next phase of distribution of palliatives.
9. I have been informed that the Federal Government
is in the process of delivering 1800 bags of rice to the state. We shall
examine the wholesomeness of these supplies and brief Ndi Abia on the pattern
of distribution if eventually certified good for human consumption.
10. While we salute and encourage the efforts of the
Federal Government in leading the charge against COVID-19, we are proud to say
that we are not in need of any imported face masks and Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) in Abia State. Our brothers and sisters at home can and have
produced our face masks/PPEs. The use of face masks in Abia state remains
compulsory and offenders will be prosecuted.
11. Once again, we are extremely proud of our medics
and all the frontline officers. You shall remain the heroes of our time.
Bikonu Umunnem Ndi Abia, COVID-19 is serious, stay
at home for now!
NB: The lockdown regulation in the state during the
day, border closure and other associated measures remain in force in addition
to the curfew.
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