Gov Ayade Shuts Borders With 3 Neighbouring States, Cameroon Over Covid-19 Threat
- Akwa Ibom, Benue, Ebonyi affected
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – As part of measures to check the possible outbreak and spread of the deadly coronavirus pandemic in its domain, the Cross River State government has effectively closed its borders with neighbouring Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Benue states as well as the Republic of Cameron
Other proactive measures already taken include establishment of isolation centres at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in the State capital and General Hospital, Ogoja in the northern flank of the South-South State.
Briefing journalists in Calabar on the State’s preparedness for any suspected case of the deadly virus, Commissioner of Health, Dr. Beta Edu said Cross River is at present classified among the Covid-19 zero positive index states across the country.
Dr. Edu explained that other stringent measures in place include setting up screening centres at each border post with hygienic facilities like hand sanitizers; running water; and hand gloves as well as the creation of a toll free telephone line for emergency calls to intimate relevant authorities of any suspected case.
She said religious leaders under the umbrella of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Muslim Imams in the state have also mutually agreed to shut down churches and mosques for the meantime.
The Commissioner, who acknowledged that some of the measures being adopted may be stressful and painful, said the long term benefits would certainly outweigh whatever temporal sufferings Nigerians are currently facing due to steps taken by government to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr Edu said the government would not relent in providing regular updates on measures to contain the virus, even as she urged members of the public to be alert and watch out for people with persistent headache; fever; sneezing; or breathing difficulties, including those who may have had contact with people already affected.
According to her, it is important for all citizens to be aware of common symptoms as they relate to the coronavirus while also observing and maintaining adequate hygienic conditions in order to stay free and safe
Checks by Forefront revealed that apart from enforcing its order on civil servants to stay at home; closure of schools and markets, including restrictions on the number of passengers in commercial vehicles at any given time, the State government has assured that further stringent measures could be applied in the event of any reported or confirmed case of the virus in the state.
