COVID-19: With 48 new cases, A’Ibom cancels govt activities

The Akwa Ibom State Government has warned that large political meetings would not be encouraged until the current spike in reported cases of COVID-19 was reduced, adding: “In the past few weeks, the state government has observed a drastic lowering of COVID-19 guidelines and protocols compliance by a significant percentage of citizens and residents in our state.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, who doubles as Chairman of COVID-19 Management Committee, in a statement made available to newsmen in Uyo, said with new cases rising to 48 within two weeks, strict compliance with the guidelines and protocols were necessary in the interest of individual and public health of the state.

“Specifically, people no longer use facemasks regularly, religious events no longer adhere to COVID-19 protocols and guidelines for the conduct of services, among other acts of non-compliance.

“With the global resurgence of COVID-19 and the current increase in the number of new daily infections in our state and country, there is an urgent need to raise public consciousness to the need for strict adherence to the guidelines and protocol in the interest of individual and public health of our dear state.

“All government events requiring large crowds are hereby cancelled. Strict enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines and protocols would be strictly enforced at the Christmas village until infections is reduced.”

“Religious leaders must adhere strictly to the guidelines and protocols for programmes as developed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and submitted to government.

“School administrators must ensure compulsory and proper use of facemasks by students, teachers and everyone in the school premises.

“All COVID-19 guidelines and protocols must be strictly adhered to by everyone. Use of facemasks remains compulsory in all public buildings, offices, public places, tricycles, buses, cars, churches, mosques, markets, hotels, schools, among others.

“Social distancing must be maintained in all public events (indoor and outdoor), tricycles, cars, taxis, buses, schools, churches, as well as regular hand washing with running water and regular use of sanitisers in homes, offices, public buildings, schools, churches, mosques, hotels, markets, etc.

“Personal temperature measurements at entry points into all public buildings, churches, schools, etc, would be observed, while high body temperatures are to be reported to the nearest medical facility.

“Hotels, bars, night clubs, restaurants, fast food outlets and tourism resorts to adhere strictly to further specific guidelines and protocols.

“All COVID-19 guidelines and protocol compliance monitoring teams in churches, mosques, markets, motor parks, check points, etc are hereby directed to increase the frequency, intensity, scope and scale of their monitoring activities,” he said.

The SSG assured the citizens and residents of the state readiness to curb the rapid spread of the virus, charging all to undertake all necessary precautionary measures, saying: “While the government is battle ready to fight and contain the pandemic, we must act cautiously, not carelessly, to keep safe and save others.”