COVID-19: Gombe CSOs Lament Rising Positive Cases
- Advocate increased sensitization
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Situation Room in Gombe State has expressed serious concern over the increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases in the state, saying it is clear that many people are living in ignorance about the pandemic.
The CSOs therefore urged the state government to, as a matter of urgency, create avenue for more public awareness and sensitization on the dangers of living in ignorance of coronavirus existence in the State.
It noted that since the confirmation of the five index cases of COVID-19 in the State on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, the number of positive cases has suddenly sky rocketed to over 30 in just five days.
The CSOs also advocated sanctions for all security agents manning the State’s borders if found compromising their duty posts, saying; “We are yet to hear of anyone punished for allowing the confirmed cases come in despite border closure”.
These were contained in a statement made available to our correspondent in Gombe on Sunday by Dudu Mamman Manuga of the Responsible Citizenship and Human Development Initiative, convener of the meeting in which the CSOs also called for serious attention to be given to increased sensitization by all citizens using a method it calls ‘Each One, Reach Next One’.
The CSOs further said; “increase sensitization by all citizens using a method we call ‘Each One, Reach Next One,’ where every citizen takes the responsibility of ensuring that family members, friends and neighbours know what COVID-19 is all about them”.
“The public must take measures of masking and self-hygiene. We need to emphasize that individuals need to take personal responsibility for their wellbeing and protection, regardless of what others do or do not do.
“The reality of the presence of the COVID-19 disease in Gombe State stares at us in the face even as the NCDC announced that there have been 30 confirmed cases as at 24th April 2020″.
While commending the Government of Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya for the steps taken so far in the State through setting up a COVID-19 Team which swung into action by setting up isolation centers, procuring necessary medication and equipment, embarked on sensitization as well as tracing suspected cases and their contacts among others, the CSOs said the Government must carefully address the demerits of a harsh lockdown.
The Situation Room also noted that there are many patients suffering from other sicknesses and diseases that are also life threatening which attention must not be taken off them as they all have equal rights to medical attention and more so at this time.
While calling on the State House of Assembly to enact a law mandating the use of face masks in public places with stiff punishment for noncompliance, the CSOs said Government should encourage tailors to make mass production of face masks and at affordable prizes for citizens.
The ten Civil Society Organizations that made up the Situation Room then appealed to retired medical personnel to be prepared to render their services when called upon to do so by the State government.
