Imo State activates health platforms against Coronavirus disease

Following the confirmation of one case of the Coronavirus disease (Covid19) in Lagos by the Minister for Health, Osagie Ehanire, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma has ordered the activation of all health platforms to protect Imo citizens against the dreaded disease.

The Coronavirus disease outbreak has been ongoing in Wuham China and some other countries since it was identified in December, 2019. It manifests with respiratory symptoms of cough, shortness of breadth, sneezing, chest pain and pneumonia.

The virus has a natural reservoir in certain animals, especially bats, birds, reptiles, cats, etc. Persons who recently travelled to the endemic areas, and those who show the symptoms are high-risk suspects.

As a result of the Governor’s directives, Imolites are assured that the health system has enough capacity to promptly diagnose the disease. However, the citizens have been advised to note the following: avoid crowded locations, observe cough etiquette, regularly wash hands with sanitizers, and report any suspected case to the nearest health facility.

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As part of measures to contain the disease, the Imo State Ministry of Health, through the Public Health Department and the Primary Healthcare Agency has instituted robust emergency response measures with the procurement and pre-repositioning of personal protective equipment, enhanced border surveillance, community awareness and mobilization, distribution of hand sanitizers together with clinicians/other health workers sensitization, according to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku.

The measures which the Imo State Government has taken will complement the precautions already announced by the Health Minister which include: Staying informed on the latest developments on COVID-19 through official channels on television and radio stations, and to be wary of unfounded information on social media that are designed to cause fear and panic.

Government reiterates her commitment to proactively ensure that all Imolites are adequately protected in the face of the challenges posed by the coronavirus.

Iheanyi Nwachukwu

Iheanyi Nwachukwu, is a creative content writer with almost two decades journalism experience writing on banking, finance, capital markets, and tax. The multiple awards winning journalist is Assistant Editor, BusinessDay. Iheanyi holds BSc Degree in Economics from Imo State University; Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Management from University of Lagos. Iheanyi has attended several work-related trainings including (i) Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (Pan African University, Lagos); (ii) News Agency Journalism (Indian Institute of Mass Communication {IIMC}, New Delhi, India); and (iii) Capital Markets Development and Regulations (International Law Institute {ILI} of Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA). Other trainings Iheanyi attended include: Economic/Political Risk Analysis (By Thomson Reuters Foundation); International Financial Journalism (IFJ) (By PMA Media Training, UK); Effective Business Writing Skills (By Phillips Consulting); Reporting on Corporate Governance (By International Finance Corporation (IFC) & Thomson Reuters Foundation UK); etc. In addition, he has participated in high-level economy & markets events in Dubai, South Africa, Morocco, and other African countries like Zambia, Ghana and Gambia.