EBONYI COMMENCES FUMIGATION OF MARKETS AGAINST COVID-19, LASSA FEVER

Ebonyi State Government has embarked on fumigation of public places as part of efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus and other dangerous infectious diseases in the area. At the commencement of the exercise at International Market Abakaliki, the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, tasked residents to lead the campaign for a cleaner environment.

The fumigation, which resulted in the closure of International and Kpirikpiri markets in Abakaliki, was not only to check the spread of coronavirus but also to eliminate rodents and other vectors that cause Lassa fever virus and cholera.

The Deputy Governor, who represented Governor David Umahi, said though Coronavirus had not been detected in the state, the fumigation was a proactive step to make the environment unconducive for dangerous infectious diseases. He noted that the exercise would be carried out every Sunday of the week till COVID-19 was contained across the country.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Daniel Umezurike, explained that the exercise would be in two phases of decontamination and fumigation. He emphasized that the choice of Sunday for the exercise was to reduce the chances of residents inhaling chemical fumes.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Uchenna Orji, said the state government had commenced enforcement on the use of face mask and enjoined residents of the state to comply with government’s preventive measures to remain healthy.

Radio Nigeria gathered that apart from markets, other places to be fumigated included Old and New Government House, Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, former Abakpa Market and High Court Complex all in Abakaliki.

                            AMECHI ODO