COVID 19: Ikpeazu institutes special hazard allowance for front-line health workers

This information was contained in a press release signed by Abia State Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi kalu and made available to AFNEWS.

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Abia State COVID-19 Update

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

1. Our index cases, both of who were patients of Federal Medical Center (FMC), Umuahia, are stable and receiving care at the isolation facility of the hospital and we are optimistic that even as geriatric patients who are above 70 years old and with underlying medical conditions, God will use the firm and experienced hands of our medics to bring them back to good health

2. In appreciation of the work and sacrifices of the frontline staff of FMC and others involved in the management of the index patients and their contacts, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has instituted a special hazard allowance for the concerned staff of FMC along with the case management pillar lead and members of the Abia State Emergency Operations Centre with effect from 20th April, 2020.

3. In addition to the above support, Governor Ikpeazu has deployed the following materials to FMC to support the institution in the management of the patients:

i. Two units of patient monitors, one oxygen concentrator and medications in respect of the two index patients admitted in their isolation center.

Ii. Medical doctors on the payroll of the state government are working in conjunction with other health personnel in caring for the patients.

iii. In collaboration with
NCDC, the state sponsored the training of relevant medical personnel in the handling of COVID-19 cases

4. All the 31 high risk samples so far taken and tested from contacts of the index cases returned negative results, including those of the spouse, care giver as well as some medical personnel who managed them. More samples are going out today for screening and we will update as appropriate.

5. The sample of the late police officer of Bayelsa State origin who died while in holding at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, returned a negative result.

6. We have traced 262 contacts and actively following 212 of them who are under surveillance and isolation.

7. Palliative deliveries are ongoing with 6 LGAs: Ukwa West, Ugwunagbo, Isiala Ngwa North, Ikwuano, Ohafia and Umunneochi receiving yesterday for onward distribution to our communities. Today, we delivered to the following LGAs: Aba North, Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa South, Umuahia South, Isuikwuato and Bende while Osisioma, Aba South, Ukwa East, Umuahia North and Arochukwu will receive theirs tomorrow.

8. While our state geriatric service agency is continuing with house to house palliative deliveries to senior citizens who are home bound and above 70 years in age, we will resume deliveries through Churches soon.

9. Abia workers have started receiving their April 2020 salary and payment to pensioners will likely be done tomorrow along with the payment of subventions to parastatals.

10. The ongoing statewide lockdown, boundary closure and dusk to dawn (6pm to 6am) curfew in the state continues till otherwise advised.

11. State Mobile Courts have been formally inaugurated by the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Onuoha Ogwe, to speedily try those who violate ABIA STATE INFECTIOUS DISEASES (EMERGENCY PREVENTION) REGULATIONS 2020.

12. We wish to express our sincere appreciation to all private and corporate citizens who have donated money, food and protective items to the people of the state through the state government as well as those who responded to our "onuru ube nwanneÔÇØ call to support our communities at this trying time. Your acts of love and support will surely be rewarded by God

13. We also wish to appreciate the understanding of our people who have mostly conducted themselves well in the face of obvious challenges as a result of the emergency regulations occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Our assurance to them is that this one will also pass.

14. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu will give detailed briefing to the media tomorrow at 10am on the progress made so far in the management of the index cases as well as the way forward on the measures put in place to control the spread of COVID-19 in our state.

15. In addition to the above, the Governor will review the current lockdown over the coming weekend. Meanwhile, a committee will be inaugurated to develop protocols for phased resumption of business life in the state.

Please, let us continue to stay safe!

Thank you.

Chief John Okiyi Kalu
Honorable Commissioner for Information
29/04/2020