COVID-19: WAYS OF REDUCING COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION – NOA

Reporter:  CHINAZO ILECHUKWU –

The National Orientation Agency is embarking on sensitization of communities in Imo state on the dangers of the novel corona virus and ways of reducing community transmission taking place in the area.

Addressing the people of Ohii in Owerri West local government area the Imo State Director of the Agency Mr. Vitus Ekeocha said the move was part of the efforts to re-awaken the consciousness of the people on the realities of the pandemic and how to mitigate it. He identified Owerri Municipal Council, Owerri North and Owerri West local government areas as places with higher burden of the disease in the state and appealed to the people to continue to maintain social distance and regular washing of hands as directed by experts.

Mr. Ekeocha urged the people to take responsibility by acquiring materials like face masks and hand sanitizers and other items needed to prevent the spread of the virus instead of waiting for the government.

The World Health Organization’s Representative in Imo state Dr. Sebastine Okwu expressed concern over the improper manner at which youths wear face masks without covering their mouth and nose noting that many people with symptoms similar to that covid-19 have died in the state without undergoing tests.

He pleaded with the people of Ohii to cooperate with health workers who are visiting homes to identify people with suspected cases of covid-19 noting that many healthy carriers are spreading the virus to unsuspecting public.

The traditional ruler of Ohii Eze Daniel Enweruzo commended the team for the advocacy and promised to transmit the messages they got to those at home,  flyers with messages about the virus were distributed to community leaders that attended the forum.