AKWA IBOM STATE COVID-19 UPDATE : 12

It is 66 days since we recorded the first set of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Akwa Ibom State.

Over this period, we have deployed all reasonable resources; financial and material, within our disposal to contain the surge of COVID-19 in our state. We have also navigated the learning curve acquiring valuable lessons in the process.

CASE MANAGEMENT
Our incidence curve witnessed a spike since the last update, but we are happy to report that no life has been lost since then while we have continued to treat and discharge cases.

Our current statistics are as follows
❌Confirmed cases:        45
❌Discharged cases:      14
❌Deaths:                             2
❌Total Active Cases :   29

SITUATION ROOM
Our 24/7 Call Centre in the Akwa Ibom COVID-19 Situation Room is still inundated with enquiries, reports of suspected cases, feedback or suggestions. The number of calls is gradually on the downward curve.

POINTS OF ENTRY SCREENING
We have reinforced our entry points surveillance at various border points around the state. In addition to law enforcement agents, we have mobilized the local communities to help check the influx of people from neighboring states.

We have Installed 3G surveillance cameras and boom barriers at major Entry points into the state. So far We have intercepted, apprehended and returned several people and corpses who attempted entering the state illegally.

However, we have observed a disturbing trend of indigenes of other states trying cross the boarders from neighboring states to be tested and treated for COVID-19 since they believe they will be well taken care of in Akwa Ibom State. We will not hesitate to return cases to their points of migration.

Citizens and Residents are advised to remain vigilant and promptly report such cases to prevent the break out of community transmission in our state. All border communities must join hands with our border security team in securing our borders to ensure infected persons are not brought into the state.

GRADUAL UNLOCKING OF THE ECONOMY
With the gradual unlocking of the economy currently in motion, we have raved up state-wide awareness, reinforcing the need to adhere to all guidelines provided for the management of COVID19.
These include mobile advertorials in the form of stickers which could be found on a large segment of tricycles and mini-buses in the state.
Jingles are still running on radio and television.

REOPENING OF CHURCHES

We have approved the reopening of churches in the state on Sunday, June 07, 2020.
This is based on guidelines recommended by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) backed by an undertaking to comply; signed by representatives of all the blocs. Details of the recommendations have since been made public

We are confident that CAN will do everything within its jurisdiction to ensure that all churches comply to these guidelines as Violators will be prosecuted.

A Joint Monitoring Team comprising representatives of government, security agencies and CAN has been set up to monitor compliance.

Members are as follows:

A. Eket Senatorial District
1. Hon. Frank Archibong : Chairman
( Chairman of Eket Local Govt Council and Chairman of ALGON).
2. Rev. Asukwo Iduk

CAN
3. Bishop Emmanuel Ebitu
4. Bishop Joseph Ekpo
5. Bishop Durable Osung

POLICE
6.-10. Five (5) Policemen from the two  Area Commands of the District

B.
IKOT EKPENE SENATORIAL DISTRICT
1. Hon. Unyime Etim: Chairman
(Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council)
2. Mr. Nsikan Isaiah

CAN
3. Bishop Imo Otong
4. Rev. Nsikak Inyang
5. Rev. Dr. Victor Philip

POLICE 
6.10. Five (5) Policemen from Ikot Ekpene Area Command

C. UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT
1. Hon. Eric Akpan: Chairman
( Chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Government Council)
2. Mr. Victor Akpan

CAN
3. Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Efiok Efiong
4. Ven. Ekere George
5. Pastor Idorenyin  Afangide

POLICE
6. 5 Five Policemen from Uyo Area Command

D. UYO CAPITAL CITY
1. Prince Enobong Uwah: Chairman
( Chairman of Uyo Capital City Development Authority- UCCDA).
2. Dr( Mrs. Stella Udoh)

CAN
3. Rev. Dr. Ndueso A. Ekwere
4. Rev. Joshua Cleopas
5. Pastor Ibrahim Haruna

POLICE
6-10. Five Policemen from Uyo Area Command.

The BAN on BURIALS, WEDDINGS and indeed all forms of SOCIAL GATHERINGS is STILL IN-FORCE until further notice.

Citizens and Residents are enjoined to observe all prescribed guidelines on religious and social gatherings as well as PHYSICAL DISTANCING while WEARING FACE MASKS.

Curfew in the state remains 8pm - 6am until end of the month as part of efforts to checkmate the activities of criminals.

Full opening of financial sector - normal working hours

All schools to remain closed until further notice

Restaurants outside of hotels remain closed for eat-in—TAKEAWAY ONLY

Bars, gyms, cinemas, nightclubs, parks also closed until further notice

Offices to maintain 2m physical distancing + 75% max capacity

Citizens and Residents are advised to continue to maintain prescribed safety protocols at all times.

The shutdown of all livestock markets in the state is still in-force until further notice.

ECONOMIC RECONSTRUCTION

We expect that the COVID-19 threat will eventually fade, as other viruses have in recent years. However, the social-economic impact will still be felt long after virus fades.

To help us position our state to be resilient in the face of this and future global threats, we had set up a Post-COVID19 Economic Reconstruction Team.

The team has concluded its deliberations and will submit its report next week.

INDIVIDUAL/CORPORATE SUPPORT

We have continued to enjoy the support of corporate bodies and private individuals through cash or materials donations towards the fight against COVID-19 in the state.

However, we concerned that to date we have not received any form of support; material or financial from the federal government.

We will publish a comprehensive list of donations and the donors in due course

UPGRADE OF MEDICAL FACILITIES

The 300-bed Isolation Centre; built and equipped by the state government has been commissioned with a fully detached Doctor’s quarters.

Our state-of-the art Polymerase Claim Reaction (PCR) Laboratory; in the Ituk Mbang Isolation Centre, where critical tests, including Covid -19 and other infectious diseases would be carried out is fully equipped and ready to commence operations.

A second laboratory; donated by Stanbic-IBTC Bank and Inoyo Toro Foundation is also already.

We have taken delivery of two containers out of 27 containers of medical equipment recently purchased by the state government, in addition to the  36 we earlier purchased since assumption of office.

We trust that citizens and residents will comply to all prescribed guidelines ensure our collective safety.

God bless Akwa Ibom State.

BEING THE TEXT OF THE PRESS BRIEFING BY DR EMMANUEL EKUWEM, SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND CHAIRMAN OF COVID-19 COMMITTEE, AKWA IBOM STATE ON FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020