Imo Govt Shuts Down Schools, Takes Strict Measures to Combat Coronavirus

ThankGod Emeh, Owerri.

Imo State government has ordered the closure of all primary and secondary schools as wel as tertiary institutions in the state till the Coronavirus outbreak is eventually contained and defeated.

The state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma gave the order in a statewide broadcast on Saturday, March 21, 2020 while speaking on the comprehensive measures taken his administration to combat the dreaded global virus.

Addressing residents of the state during a broadcast, the governor said the government has put in place all the required measures to prevent the entrance of the virus in the state as well as fight it squarely if any case is noticed in the state.

“As a responsible government we have done our homework and I can assure you that there is truly no cause for alarm. All the necessary measures have been put in place to ensure that the virus does not find a breeding space in Imo state. Be rest assured that we shall not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that our people are safe, well protected by providing the necessary tools and expertise needed for maximum protection from the Coronavirus pandemic”

“As life threatening as the disease is, we can prevent and control it through vigorous public health enlightenment and by taking necessary steps to nip the disease in the bud. This will require both self discipline and a few sacrifices. I have no doubt that you are willing and able to do the needful to protect our lives and ensure that no one is a victim of the virus”

Governor Uzodinma who noted the timely ‘constitution of Cornavirus prevention and control committee’ expressed optimism that the committee which is chaired b former INEC boss, Professor Maurice Iwu will perform creditably well as expected from Imolites while urging the good people of the state to cooperate and adhere to the preventive measures of the government.

“To this end I have inaugurated a star studded Coronavirus prevention and control committee to commence round the clock surveillance of all strata of the state for effective prevention and control of the disease. This committee is headed by Professor Maurice Iwu, who as we may know is almost at the verge of inventing a cure for the disease. In addition the committee has experienced public health care providers as members, including members of the Nigerian Medical Association. I have no doubt that we have all it takes to guarantee that we are safe from the deadly fangs of the virus”

According to the Governor, adequate funds, a state of the art modern ambulance and an isolation centre within the state capital has been provided in connection with the national centre for disease control for the fight against the virus.

“To ensure this, the government will spare no resources to facilitate the committee’s assignment which is to do all that is necessary to ensure that the Coronavirus does not have a foothold in Imo state. Consequently adequate funds have been made available for it to carry out its assignment without let or hindrance. As I address you, the committee has already swung into action and I can assure you that very soon it will come up with a comprehensive anti Coronavirus spread template that will ensure that Imo state is clinically safe from the deadly virus”

“A state of the art modern ambulance has been provided for the committee to facilitate its operations. This ambulance is equipped with necessary medical gadgets for quick analysis and test for the virus and will be on 24 hour standby to respond to any emergency anywhere in the state”

“In addition, we are liaising with the national centre for disease control to ensure that we buy into the federal government’s Coronavirus prevention roadmap. Similarly we are tracking global updates on the disease so as to remain ever vigilant on global efforts at control and eradication.

“Thinking ahead we have also concluded arrangements to establish a specialist hospital specifically charged with control and prevention of contagious diseases. This way we will ensure that neither Coronavirus nor any other contagious virus for that matter will be a threat to our people in the future. Further to these measures we have set up an isolation centre within the state capital to quarantine any person who tests positive to the virus. A test centre has equally been set up, also in Owerri, to test those with symptoms of the virus.”

“To this end, arrangements have been put in place to test all passengers arriving at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri of symptoms of the virus. Any passenger that manifests signs of the symptoms will first be taken to a bay that has been set up at the airport for further examination. If confirmed that the symptoms are manifest, the passenger will immediately be taken to the test centre for tests and if positive quarantined at the isolation centre”

Residents are advised to wash their hands frequently with running water for 20 seconds and allow to dry. They should also, as much as possible, avoid crowds and close contacts with others

News Corner.