Abia residents have called on the state goverment to intensify effort in tracing the contacts of the two index cases of COVID-19 in the state immediately, to avoid further spread.
The state government announced on Monday night that it had recorded two cases of the pandemic for the first time in the state.
Reacting to the incidence, which has started causing panic in the state, some residents who spoke to Nuelsnews, however called for utmost caution.
Dr Mike Ukoha, a member representing Arochukwu constituency in Abia House of Assembly said that the state was now faced with the reality of COVID-19.
He said, “This means the issue is now real. All along, Abians think it is not real but with this two positive cases it is becoming critical and we should be very careful because it is deadly.
“Also, the names of those two individuals should be made known by the Commissioner for Information, so that we know those who have come in contact with them.Otherwise it will spread.”
Dr Stanley Okeluru, one of the trained doctors for COVID-19 management in the state, said that the virus had indeed come to Abia but could be handled.
He said, “We should do contact search immediately to quarantine the contacts of the identified cases.
“But as a matter of urgency, I think the government should enforce people wearing face masks.
“The benefit of face mask is that somebody wearing mask is not only protecting himself but also protecting the next person to him.
“We should utilise the isolation centres. The boarders should still be locked.People should continue to stay at home while very essential service providers only, should be excepted.”
Mr Daniel Onwuzuruike, a farmer at Umuda-Isingwu called for a collective effort in containing the spread of the virus.
He said, “I heard about the cases in Abia over the radio this morning and was scared because it is what we have trying to avoid.
“This state has been locked down since April 1, by state government to prevent its spread.It’s unfortunate that the disease is now here with us.
“Everybody must now make a sacrifice in this fight. We must obey the authorities by observing all the rules against the spread such as social distancing, wearing of face masks, regular hand washing and others.”
Miss Anabel Mmaduabuchi, an undergraduate said that there should be more sensitisation among the people.
“Let the government intensify the campaign against COVID-19 by engaging in aggressive sensitation in the communities, especially the rural areas.”
