BY: BEN UGWU
Association of Resident Doctors of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Sunday, revealed details of the Covid 19 index case in Imo State.
The Nigeria Centre For Disease Control, NCDC, had confirmed an index case of Covid 19 in Imo State on Saturday.
While the Imo State government and health authorities are being awaited for further clarification on the index case, Resident doctors of the Federal Medical Centre FMC, Owerri, in a leaked memo to staff Sunday, signed by Dr.Ogu Jude, President ARD FMC , Owerri said “the index case, who is neither a patient nor a member of staff of the hospital, was confirmed positive following standard testing by NCDC officials in the State and has been transferred to FMC Owerri Isolation/Holding Centre for monitoring and necessary management protocol”
The full memo reads:
Dear colleagues,
“In the earlier hours of today, we were informed by credible sources that there is a confirmed case of Covid-19 infection in Imo State and we have confirmed this to be true.
“The index case, who is neither a patient nor a member of staff of the hospital, was confirmed positive following standard testing by NCDC officials in the state and has been transferred to FMC Owerri isolation / Holding Centre for monitoring and necessary management protocol.
“It is important that members are in the know of this development to reinvigorate our exercise of caution as we carry out our essential duties in the hospital.
“While we await official announcement by relevant authorities on this development, members are advised to reinforce their guard and maintain universal precautions as prescribed in the WHO IPC guidelines. These are no times for panic or unnecessary acts of heroism.
“Let us continue to adhere to the basic ground rules of avoiding unnecessary movements within the hospital, avoidance of physical contacts as much as possible while keeping to social distancing, regular hand washing and the use of face masks within the hospital environment.
“We shall continue to monitor the situation and keep you posted as events unfold in the coming days.
Please stay safe.
Kind regards, always.
Dr Ogu-Jude
President, ARD FMC Owerri
25:04:2020
