‘Despite 255 positive cases, our facility is not threatened’_ Commissioner

Reacting seemingly to the conjectures making the rounds that Akwa Ibom State was experiencing high rate of the second wave of COVID-19, warranting some high-profile government officials to relocate to Lagos, Information and Strategy Commissioner, Ini Ememobong, has denied it.

According to him, the isolation centre built by the state during the first wave of COVID-19 was not threatened, acknowledging though, that as at today the State has 255 confirmed cases.

He charged citizens and residents to ensure strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols as 255 persons in the state have tested positive to the virus within the past few weeks.

He noted that the implication of such number of positive cases was that the 300-bed space capacity isolation centre constructed during the first wave of the virus may soon be overstretched, but not threatened.

Ememobong explained that the state-owned isolation centre was relieved by the different models of homecare treatments, depending on the severity of the virus.

“The spread of the virus could only be curtailed if the people strictly observe all the pharmaceutical measures which include wearing facemask, washing hands regularly and observing social distancing.

“At the moment, I can confirm that we have 255 persons that have tested positive to the virus in the state. They are however responding to treatment.

“The virus does not recognise the rich or the poor in the society. It is not proper to assume that it infects some people and leave the rest. It treats everybody the same. So, let us be careful to avoid contacting it.’’ he said

Meanwhile, an unconfirmed report has it that some members of Akwa Ibom State Executive Council including the governor have relocated to Lagos or Abuja for fear of not contacting the virus.

The rumour has it as well that some of those with severe cases have been sent to the isolation Centre while others with less severe cases, according to anonymous source, are receiving treatment in their various homes.

It would be recalled that some prominent sons of the state have died recently from complications associated with COVID-19, fueling fear among citizens and residents.