COVID 19: GOV UMAHI ORERS RECALL OF RETIRED HEALTH PERSONNEL, SOUTH EAST VIROLOGY CENTRE TO TEST BLOOD SAMPLES FROM APRIL 1

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State says South East Virology Centre Abakaliki will commence laboratory test of blood samples of suspected coronavirus patients from April 1, 2020.

The Governor announced this at a statewide broadcast on measures being taken by the State Government to curtail the spread of the virus into the area.

Chief Umahi said, though South East Virology Centre was primarily built for the diagnosis and treatment of Lassa fever virus, the National Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC) had certified its Laboratory equipment of having the capability of detecting coronavirus if provided with relevant test kits.

He explained that the State Government had concluded arrangements with the Federal Ministry of Health for the provision of the test kits to serve three zones across the country.

Governor Umahi ordered that all retired health personnel in the health sector be recalled to assist in the emergency operations and declared seven days fasting and prayer.

According to him, henceforth details of all passengers returning from where coronavirus had been recorded in the country must be submitted to the State Health Ministry for monitoring.

Governor Umahi also announced the shutting down of the state Executive Council and also ordered the isolation of National Correctional Centres in the state to protect inmates.

AMECHI ODO