Reports have it that out of the 3,000 samples tested for the Coronavirus in Ebonyi State, 75 have been confirmed positive with the Governor’s cabinet members the outstanding majority.
The Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi has on Thursday, expressed worries over the discerning rise of the virus within his cabinets and the entire state.
Speaking to pressmen, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation and Ag Commissioner, Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji directed that all Government Offices be shut down from Thursday, 4th June 2020, to resume on Wednesday, 10th June 2020.
The commissioner who appealed to the Ebonyi indigenes living outside the shores of the state to avoid the risk of returning to the state, also affirmed that the records have shown that the COVID-19 positive cases recorded in Ebonyi state were from those who returned from various states; therefore called on all Exco members and Government officials, especially those working in the Ministries of Finance and Budget to undergo COVID-19 test within seven days period.
“The Governor is concerned about the number of coronavirus cases recorded in the state which has unfortunately risen to 75 out of over 3, 000 samples tested.
“Whereas we have discharged a total of 26 COVID-19 cases and 49 cases still receiving treatment and in stable conditions, the Governor is disturbed about the way and manner some State Executive Council members were infected, although they are also in stable conditions.
“In order to ensure effective contact tracing, he has directed that all Government offices be shut down from Thursday,4th June 2020, and resume on Wednesday, 10th June 2020.
“In view of this development, he passionately appeals to all sons and daughters of Ebonyi State who are living outside the shores of the state to avoid the risk of returning to the state, as records have shown that the positive cases hitherto recorded in the state were those who returned from the epicenter states.
“The Governor further pleads with our people to take seriously the NCDC COVID-19 Protocols, especially all precautionary measures such as hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, use of face masks, social distancing and avoiding of crowded places, more so as we have entered into another phase of spread of COVID-19 called community transmission.
“All civil servants shall work from their respective homes within this period but shall leave their phones open to respond to official imperatives.
“The Governor further directs Dr. Richard Nnabo and his team to commence comprehensive decontamination of Government offices including the new and old Government House complexes.
“All Exco members and Government officials, especially of the Ministries of Finance and Budget, are advised to undergo COVID-19 test within this seven days period.
“The Governor further advises that during this period of closedown of Government offices, all workers, especially from the two Ministries aforementioned, should go into self-isolation.
“All site operations shall, however, remain open but must be in strict observance of COVID-19- protocols.
“Meanwhile, the Governor commends all those who have made concerted efforts in our fight against Coronavirus pandemic and warmly congratulates the newly appointed caretaker Chairmen for their wonderful handling of COVID-19 emergencies.”
Nwada Ugochinyere Onyechere reporting, Obinwannem News
