Covid-19: Gombe State To Establish Testing Laboratory For Status Detection
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, IN GOMBE –Even though it has not recorded any positive index case of the dreaded COVID-19 infection, the Gombe State Government is not resting on its oars in the fight against the dreaded disease.
Already, it has concluded plans to as a matter of urgency establish a testing laboratory centre in the state as part of its efforts to wage war against the spread of the pandemic.
This was announced by the State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday in Gombe, in which he declared that already a PCR machine has been procured and the state is currently engaging the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), with a view to obtaining the requisite accreditation for its setup and eventual use.
The Governor also said that the state Task Force has procured medical supplies and consumables worth over N200million including personal protective equipment (PPEs), which have been prepositioned in all health care facilities across the state
Yahaya also said; “We have built the capacity of our frontline health workers to enable them to detect and respond to any suspected case according to the guidelines issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).”
He however said that the battle against COVID-19 pandemic can better be won by preventing its importation and spread into communities through the enforcement of strict vigilance, observing recommended practices like hand-washing, social distancing, use of sanitizers and compliance with medical advice.
The governor noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an economic meltdown which further deprives the state the financial resources needed to adequately confront it.
Yahaya further said; “We are working with the Federal Government with a view to expanding existing palliative measures through the Social Investment Program and the development of new strategies in order to further cushion the effect of the crises on our people”.
The Governor then thanked traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, members of the media and the civil society as well as other stakeholders for their support and understanding and further solicited for their continuous support in this gigantic battle against coronavirus.
Yahaya also thanked members of the State House of Assembly and all other political office holders who have contributed their one-month salaries to the fight against the pandemic just as he also appreciate other numerous public-spirited individuals and corporate organizations for their financial and material contributions.
The Governor appealed for more support from both individuals and organizations to further complement the state’s effort against the Covid-19 onslaught.
