By: Emmanuel Nlewedum
Following the outbreak of COVID 19 also known as Coronavirus in Lagos State and other suspected cases in others states of the country, Rivers State government said it has set up precautionary measures to tackle the disease should there be any case in the state.
Speaking at a news conference in Port Harcourt at the weekend, Acting Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Chinwe Tonye Atata said the government is working hand-in-glove with the Federal Government to ensure maximum surveillance at all international entry points to the state.
Dr. Atata who noted that the state has not recorded any case of Coronavirus expressed the ministry’s preparedness in disease control in the state.
She said: “Following the confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 in Lagos Nigeria, it has become imperative to brief you on the state’s preparedness and necessary preventive measures taken in the interest of public health safety.
“The Rivers State Ministry of Health is working in collaboration with the federal ministry of health especially the port health services, national centre for disease control and other stakeholders to ensure maximum surveillance at all international entry points to the state”.
“Surveillance at the International Airport Omagwa has been straightened with multiple screening from flight assessment to the use of all necessary cameras for any detection or suspected cases as well as secondary screening for selected passengers.
“So far, for the avoidance of doubt, there is no case of COVID-19 in Rivers state”.
The Acting Permanent Secretary also disclosed that a treatment centre for coronavirus has been established in the state.
“In addition, we have mapped out an adhoc treatment centre for covid-19 in case of any eventuality”.
She however advised the public to adopt regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water as well as use of alcoholic based hand sanitizers.
