…As state records 75 confirmed cases
Clement Nnachi, Abakaliki
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has directed that all Government Offices in the state be shut down for seven days beginning from Thursday, June 4 through June 10.
This followed the confirmation that some cabinet members of the administration (names withheld) were already infected with the dreaded Coronavirus.
In a statement issued on his behalf by Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Barr. Uchena Orji, in Abakaliki, on Thursday morning, Governor Umahi called on all government officials and members of the state’a Executive Council, especially those working in the Ministries of Finance and Budget to undergo COVID-19 test within the seven-day period.
The statement stated that the index case in the state had so far risen to 75 out of the over 3,000 samples tested in the State.
It further appealed to citizens residing outside the state to avoid the risk of returning to the state stating that records have revealed that the positive cases recorded in the state were from those who returned from the epicentre states.
According to the statement, “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.
“All Executive Council members and Government officials especially of the Ministry of Finance and Budget are advised to undergo Covid-19 test within this 7-Day period.”
It added that the governor urged the people to take seriously the NCDC COVID-19 Protocols, especially all precautionary measures such as hand washing, use of hand sanitisers, use of face masks, social distancing and avoiding of crowded places.
“All civil servants shall work from their respective homes within this period but shall leave their phones open to respond to official imperatives.”
The statement added that the governor directed Dr. Richard Nnabo and his team to commence comprehensive decontamination of Government offices including the new and old Government House complexes.