Richard Ginika Izuora
The Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has confirmed that two of his aides have tested positive for coronavirus.
This was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement issued by the state governor, where he also said that two other aides who subjected themselves to similar tests were negative.
He said,”Unfortunately, results of two of my aides who also subjected themselves to COVID- 19 tests were positive while others turned in negative results. We are confident that within days the current asymptomatic positive patients who are now isolated will be successfully nursed back to good health, with God on our side.”
Ikpeazu also said the new phase of fighting the virus in the state would require the state to embark on massive testing of citizens to achieve at least 10% coverage of the state population.
According to him, the state epidemiologist has been directed to work out modalities for case searches using sample population size between 30 to 250 persons in densely populated local governments.
He also warned against stigmatisation of patients, adding that, “if any person gets COVID- 19 it is unfortunate, but it is not criminal and may not be his/her fault.”
The governor further directed the 17 LGA Transition chairmen and their deputies to isolate and subject themselves to tests pending their results.
He said, “I encourage all citizens to get involved in the battle against COVID- 19 rather than engage in rumour mongering.”