COVID-19: Be Calm, Vigilant, Okowa Tells Deltans

…Lists Steps Taken By His Administration To Tackle The Disease, Curb The Spread
…Directs Schools To Shut Down Next Week
By Daniel Dafe
The Governor of Delta State, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on residents in the state to be calm and vigilant, and not bow to fear despite the global scare caused by the Coranavirus pandemic.

Governor Okowa while briefing journalists earlier today in Asaba, on steps taken by his administration to prevent the spread of the disease disclosed that “there is yet no confirmed case of Coronavirus in Delta State.”
He added: “The State Government has already established a purpose-built and well-equipped isolation centre at the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba to handle any emergency.
“We have embarked on training of healthcare personnel to work at the isolation ward; training and engagement of 129 Red Cross workers across the State is on-going. There are identified and established holding rooms in all zonal and all state hospitals across the state.”
Furthermore, he said that the training of five members of the Rapid Response Team in each Local Government Area is ongoing, adding that the training of laboratory scientists on sample collection is also on.
According to the Governor, other steps taken to curb the spread of the said disease include filling of arrival cards by all in-bound passengers and crew in the two airports (Warri and Asaba) and three seaports (Warri, Koko, and Sapele), as well as subjecting all passengers arriving Asaba airport to temperature measurement.
Also, he disclosed that henceforth, all incoming sea vessels will observe a 14-day quarantine period to be cleared by the Port health personnel before birthing in any seaport in Delta State.
Speaking further, he said: “We are also assisting in the local production of alcohol-based hand sanitisers. The Ministries of Health and Information have been mandated to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to inform and sensitize the public on safety protocols regarding COVID-19.
“While this Government will spare no effort or resources to ensure the health, safety and protection of citizens, it is important for us to know that observing proper hygiene and World Health Orgainsation-mandated safety protocols remain the best way to protect ourselves and stop the spread of this virus.”
Meanwhile, as part of measures to check the disease, the governor has directed that all primary, secondary and tertiary institutions are to be closed from Thursday, March 26, 2020 for 30 days.
He also called on parents to provide hand sanitizers for their children, as he directed that hand wash stations be provided at easily identifiable points in the markets and that offices must ensure that they are fitted with the right type of sanitizers.
Continuing, he also called on all supermarkets, malls, churches and other places of worship to provide hand sanitizers for customers/worshippers.
While expressing optimism that the threat will be overcome, he said: “We must take precaution, yes. But panic, capital no! We are carefully monitoring developments around the country and the State and will update Deltans accordingly and, where necessary, take drastic actions.”
He advised Deltans to desist from publishing unverified information capable of causing panic and fear, especially on the social media.
In case of emergency, he said the numbers below can be called-
0803 075 8179 – State Epidemiologist
0803 507 8541 – State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer
0803 352 1961 – State Incident Manager
0906 503 1241 – State Health Educator