Coronavirus: Udom extends lockdown in A’Ibom

Akwa Ibom state Governor Udom Emmanuel has extended the lockdown order as a means to check the spread of coronavirus in the state.

Addressing a press conference in Uyo on Thursday, the Chairman of COVID-19 incident management committee and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem said Governor Udom ordered the lockdown of the state till Monday April 27, when the media would be briefed for an update on COVID -19 in the state.

“In view of the critical situation that we are in as a nation and as a state, although it would have been desirable to call off the lockdown at this juncture, but given that we must ensure continuous safety of our citizens, the most ideal thing for now is to continue with the lockdown until April 27, where we will provide an update on the lockdown at a press briefing,” the governor stated.

He explained that Governor Udom has provided leadership and direction in handling the pandemic in the state.

“Our dear Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has been on top of the situation, providing leadership and giving directions in the fight to mitigate the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus on the generality of our people,” the SSG said.

Ekuwem observed that the situation in the state was minimal while sympathizing with states in the country that have numerous cases of the dreaded virus

“While we are witnessing very pathetic and astronomic rise in the number of cases of coronavirus infection in different parts of the world, and even in some parts of our country, the situation in Akwa Ibom has, providentially been minimal. For this, we are grateful to God,” he added.

He attributed the low incidence of the virus in the state to pragmatic inputs and leadership of the state, adding that Governor Udom is working with the COVID-19 incident management committee, health workers and other stakeholders as well as deployment of financial and material resources to minimize spread of the pandemic in the state.

“The low incidence level of coronavirus has not been without efforts and pragmatic inputs from the leadership of the state.

“The governor, working with the COVID-19 management committee, the incidence management committee, health workers and other stakeholders, has deployed resources, financial and material to ensure the pandemic is kept at bay for as much as possible,” Ekuwen said.

He noted that the efforts of the state in fighting the disease has been acknowledged by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as 9 cases confirmed in the state have been properly managed with only one death recorded.

He said out of the nine cases, three have been discharged while the other five cases were active in intensive care.

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The secretary to the state government appealed to health workers in the state to protect themselves, noting that some of them have resorted to self-medication despite the unpleasant consequences.

“As the first responders to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implore our healthcare professionals to do all they can, to protect themselves.

“We have followed with deep concern, the spate of self-care and administration of drugs by some of our physicians which has led to unpleasant consequences,” he said.