BY IKENNA ORIOHA
There is no outbreak of coronavirus pandemic in Imo State.
This was revealed by the Coronavirus Prevention and Control Committee set up by Imo State government to prevent, manage and respond to cases of the pandemic in the State.
Speaking to newsmen in Owerri, Monday, the Chairman of the committee, Prof Maurice Iwu, said the people of the state should disregard the rumour that the virus has reached the state.
He also released the following numbers for the public to contact in the event of an emergency . They are 09059995559 (Glo), 0904005164 (Airtel), and 07043954215 (MTN)
Prof Iwu said the committee has been working proactively since it was inaugurated by the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma and has done a lot to educate and inform the people of the State in a bid to prevent the killer virus.
He advised residents to maintain regular hand washing, use hand sanitizers and keep social distance in order to protect themselves against th virus.
Prof Iwu said the symptoms of the virus are easily identifiable, assuring of the committee’s readiness to checkmate the virus in the state.
He said “We are prepared to take any proactive measure. Henceforth, wash your hands with soap and water; wash frequently after having contact with people, use sanitizers when there is no water.
“Keep social distance to protect yourself and people around you, minimize over -crowding and unnecessary travels, because you do not know who you are going to meet and the Taskforce is trying to make it public to avoid over-crowding”
He continued “Measures have been taken to treat any case and we are working closely with government to save lives. We are fully prepared and we do not want to be caught unawares.
“We are ready to prevent and fight other diseases. From 23rd of March,2020 any public school which refuses to close would be sanctioned” he said
Harping on the need for public safety, Iwu revealed that the committee is liasing with the State Civil Service to explore the option of closing the state workforce or not.
A member of the committee and Managing Director, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Dr. Achigbu Kingsley said the medical Centre, has enhanced the use of chlorine, soap solution and hand washing hygiene, stating that Isolation Facilities have been put in place in the event of any eventuality.
Manager, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Rejoice Ndudinachi, who is also a member of the committee, said the airport management has introduced some measures to check the virus at the Airport.
He said passengers now wear face mask, wash their hands and temperature indicators have been put to use, in addition with jingles to inform passengers on the need for hygiene.
“We also fumigate the Airport. Passengers are thoroughly screened to prevent coronavirus” he said
The Committee enjoined people, particularly within age bracket of 60 years to stay at home to avoid being vulnerable to the pandemic, assuring the general public that there is no cause for panic.
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