Two Coronavirus cases have been recorded in Abia state.
A statement by the Commissioner for information in the state Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, on Monday, stated that result came from the National Centre for Disease Control [NCDC].
He, however, added that the result of one Prosper Vincent, who arrested and isolated in the state came back negative.
The statement read in part,
“We have received the report of two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Abia State this evening from NCDC. Both patients are advanced in age but currently stable at an isolation centre in our state.
“On the direction of the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, we have deployed our ventilators to the isolation centre in readiness for their use if eventually required to nurse them back to good health.
“Our well trained medical personnel are offering all necessary support and we hope and pray the patients survive this ailment.
“Contact tracing has commenced in earnest and our rapid response team is currently moving to bring in those who may have had contact with the two index cases.
“Based on the age of the patients, we are looking at a possible community transmission and will strongly advise that all those who may have come in contact with the two individuals who hail from Ukwa and Umuahia North areas of the state immediately call 0700 2242 362.
“Meanwhile, the result of “Prosper Vincent” returned negative and he will promptly be released from isolation”.
The commissioner also called on Abia residents not to panic but continue to observe all the guidelines issued by NCDC and the state inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19:
“Stay at home unless there is a compelling need to go out either to buy drugs or food. Do so with your face mask on
“Wash your hands regularly with soap under running water for at least 20 seconds or use original hand sanitizers to clean them and observe social distancing and also avoid crowds.
“Do not open any market to trade and, please, stop using public transport until further notice,” he added.
