With the spread of the coronavirus with five or more cases confirmed in the country, the Imo Awareness Coalition, IAC, a watchdog group based in Imo State, has advised Governor Hope Uzodinma, to temporarily close all public schools in the State and the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.
Speaking to newsmen in Owerri, the IAC President, Emmanuel Okwu, said though there are no reported cases of the coronavirus in Imo State, he said it is necessary proactive measures are taken ahead of time to wade off the virus.
He said”We pray that the coronavirus does not come to our Imo State but the State government has to take proactive steps. We were informed that Governor Uzodinma recently activated all health platforms in the State when news of the index case in Lagos was reported.
“But now that we have five or six confirmed cases of the coronavirus victims in the country, there is need for the State government to complement what the Federal Government has done by imposing travel ban on 13 countries where the coronavirus is prevalent.
“We must follow the footsteps of the Federal Government. All public primary and secondary schools in the State should be closed, including the private schools. The closure should also be extended to the State owned tertiary institutions.
“The Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport is the major gateway into the State.So we also suggest, temporarily the State government should liaise with the Federal Airports Aviation Authority, FAAN, to close the airport.
“We must safeguard our citizens and we advise that this is the right time these measures are put in place” he said
“Imo State is the heartland of the South East.It is central to all the States in the South East and South South zones. It is very strategic for travelers and we must understand this fact.
“The woman who was suspected to have the coronavirus but later tested negative in Enugu was reported to have passed through Owerri. That tells you how strategic Owerri, Imo State capital is. The State government should speedily take further actions to wade off any eventuality” he stated
Recall the Federal Government in a bid to check the spread of the coronavirus suspended the NYSC orientation camps for Corpers, and imposed travel ban on 13 countries considered high risk with the coronavirus.
READ ALSO
