A’Ibom records 156 COVID-19 cases in two weeks

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

No fewer than 156 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Akwa Ibom State in the last two weeks since the advent of  the third wave of the virus, Delta variant.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, disclosed this in a press conference in Uyo on Thursday.

Ekuwem, who is also the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State COVID-19 Committee said that the number has risen from five to 156 within the last two weeks, with three death recorded.

“The global COVID-19 pandemic has continued to ravage the world since its emergence in 2019.

“In Akwa Ibom state the first cases were diagnosed on April 1, 2020.

“Since then, His Excellency, Gov. Udom Emmanuel had put in place proactive measures to curb the spread of the virus.

“Over the past two weeks, cases of COVID-19 within the state have risen from five to one hundred and fifty six 156.

“This increase, when considered in the light of the new Delta variant of the virus, which has now been isolated in Nigeria, calls for a renewal of our collective effort at preventing the spread of Covid-19 virus infection in our state,” Ekuwem said.

Ekuwem called on all citizens of the state to obey all COVID-19 guidelines and protocols earlier enunciated.

He said that all COVID-19 monitoring mechanisms have been  reactivated to ensure strict compliance with guidelines and protocols, to assist the state combat theenunciate.

“The state government also advised citizens to ensure that; Social distancing in tricycles and in Mini-buses and wearing of face masks are to be strictly complied with.

“Religious houses (churches and mosques) should run at half capacity and services should last not more than one with.

“Hotels, sit-outs, clubs, schools, transport companies, Supermarkets, Banks, Pharmacies should all ensure compliance with all COVID-19 preventive measures in their facilities.

“Report any suspicious symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty in breathing and body pains and weakness to the nearest COVID-19 facility or use the following help lines 08000275664, 08189411111,” he said.