Akwa Ibom gets three positive cases of COVID-19, state lauds donors towards fight against pandemic

Akwa Ibom State government has said that the state has only three positive cases of COVID-19.

Chairman, COVID-19 Committee and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, disclosed this during a press briefing in Uyo.

According to him, three of the initial five index cases were negative, adding that one of the four new additional samples sent for testing came back positive and that the confirmed negative cases have been discharged.

“As we speak, Akwa Ibom has only three positive cases of Coronavirus. The confirmed negative cases were discharged earlier this afternoon. So far, the contact tracing efforts of the committee has led to the identification of 66 persons who have had contacts with the five initial confirmed cases. While the number of positive cases has reduced, it is not yet uhuru in the fight against the virus,” he said.

The SSG further explained that the state government had started the distribution of relief materials to the 31 local councils in the state, as the exercise was expected to end in the next one week.

He said that Coronavirus had nothing to do with religion, political party or tribe and that all hands must be on deck to fight the pandemic for the benefit of all in the state.

Meanwhile, the state government has commended corporate organisations, individuals and groups for supporting the state through donations of cash and materials so as to enable the state succeed in its fight towards curbing the spread of Coronavirus (COVID19).

Ekuwem, who commended citizens and residents for their co-operation and support through phone calls to the Situation Rooms since their establishment for that purpose in the state, urged the people to continue to call the situation rooms for information as the state was steadfast at ensuring that COVID19 does not escalate.

In another development, an Ogoni apex social-cultural organisation, KAGOTE, has urged all community leaders and stakeholders in Ogoniland in Rivers State to unite in the fight against the Coronavirus.

President of the group, Emmanuel Deeyah, in a statement yesterday, said that this was not time for division and quarrels but a time for all to unite and ensure a timely and successful fight against COVID-19.

He urged Ogoni people and all who live and do business in Rivers State to work in synergy with the state government and observe the rules and guidelines of the lockdown, maintain social/physical distancing and regular washing of hands.

He commended Governor Nyesom Wike for the necessary emergency steps he had taken in protecting the state despite various controversies and criticisms.