Coronavirus: Udom cancels random testing, says it’s waste of resources
Akwa Ibom state Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has cancelled the idea of random testing of residents for COVID-19 in the state, saying such venture is absolute waste of government funds.
Speaking at a media briefing held at Government House on Monday night, Udom said residents of the state who need testing have already been tested in accordance with the guidelines of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
“It would absolutely, be a waste of resources if we go on random testing. No one who needed to be tested that had not be tested. Everything we do follows NCDC guidelines,” the governor said.
He disclosed that so far the state had collected and tested 84 specimens since the outbreak of the disease, adding that the first five were all returned negative
He said that out of the 17 additional specimen collected and tested by the NCDC, 12 were negative while five were returned positive.
He said out of 16 samples collected, only one was positive while about 31 other samples collected, one came back positive.
Governor Udom, who faulted claims in some quarters that his cabinet members tested positive for COVID-19, said the virus took the world by surprise and nobody can claim absolute remedy for it
READ ALSO: COVID-19: NYSC donates sanitisers to Ondo NUJ
He said what was required of everybody was cooperation and not anything that could weaken the efforts of government in tackling the pandemic.
“My cabinet members are sound and healthy. The whole foundation is on falsehood.
“We are experiencing what the entire world has never experienced before, so no one can truly boost of experience of the virus.
“COVID-19 has never happened before, so everyone is learning to manage it. The best medical doctor may not be the best administrator,” the governor stated.
