JOE EFFIONG, UYO
Fourteen persons have been quarantined in Akwa Ibom state for contracting COVID-19 which resurgence has been reported in the state.
The State Commisioner for Health Prof Augustine Umoh, who confirmed this to newsmen on Thursday, explained that the 14 infected persons are quarantined in their homes while contact tracing of members of their households and other associates continues .
Prof Umoh advised residents of the state to observe tge COVID-19 protocols and guidelines to tackle the pandemic.
” As I speak, the 14 cases that we have now are on home isolation and monitoring . The process of contact tracing has recommenced for those that we could pick those that are positive for management, follow up and monitoring. We have brought to the notice of all Akwa Ibom residents for them to be prepared.
“We are not surprised . What is important now is for us to get to the former tempo that assisted us to bring the number of patients down. ”
Umoh reminded residents of the state to observed COVID-19 protocols such as regular hand washing, social distancing , use of face masks and hand sanitizers .
He said the ministry of health has commenced another round of public enlightenment to create awareness as the mode of transmission of the disease has not changed, but still transmitted through personal contact , nasal passage , air etc.
He disclosed that his ministry has made adequate preparations to handle the pandemic and urged residents to fortify themselves even as the state has prepared laboratories for testing as well as hospitals before the disease escalates.
“The facilities are ready; medicaments are in place while contact tracing mechanism has been reactivated. The laboratories testing has helped us to know those who are positive for isolation.
“What we are doing now is public enlightenment to make sure that people come to terms with the fact that this is what is happening in Akwa Ibom state ” he said
He said the state government has acknowledged the pandemic during the last state executive council meeting and advised members of the public to abide by state preventive guidelines.