Health workers to undergo COVID-19 test in Ebonyi, says deputy governor

Following the rising cases of coronavirus in Ebonyi State, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, yesterday directed all heath workers to undergo compulsory COVID-19 test with immediate effect.

Governor David Umahi and some of his aides, who tested positive for the pandemic, had been quarantined, a development that generated heated argument and anxiety among the people of the state.

The directive came shortly after his meeting with front line health workers at the old Government House, Abakaliki.

Igwe said the directive becomes imperative “because we want to ensure that the health workers are free from the virus before treating people,” noting that some health workers had tested positive for COVID-19 in recent times.

He pointed out that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) had commenced one-hour prayers on daily basis to seek the face of God for quick recovery of those who had been infected by the coronavirus, especially Governor Umahi.

He urged council chairmen to take charge of the campaign against the virus in their council areas and ensure deployment of all health workers to participate in the house-to-house exercise.

Igwe assured that the state’s task force would not relent in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, even as Governor Umahi had gone temporarily on isolation.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Daniel Umezurike, explained that the planned house-to-house active case search was as a result of community transmission, adding that one general hospital had been upgraded in each of the three senatorial zones to serve as screening centres where samples would be collected for testing.

“If anyone tests positive, he or she will be taken to treatment, while those who test negative, but have other pathologies, will be treated at the general hospital where they were received,” he added.