Covid-19: Akwa Ibom Govt Rejects Test Result, Seek Reconfirmation

Sequel to the news report about the positive testing of 5 hitherto suspected cases of COVID -19 in Akwa Ibom state, we wish to state as follows, that;

1. We observed a disturbing breach in the test and reporting procedure.

2. Akwa Ibom State Government only heard about the test results in the news

3. The Director General of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was not aware of the reported result announcement.

4. All 5 reported positive test cases have been contacted and they have showed no COVID-19 symptoms.

5. While the tests were being processed in NCDC approved test facilities, all suspected cases were held in isolation.

6. Several sample batches have been previously sent for testing from Akwa Ibom State and they all returned negative results.

7. Owing to the irregularities observed in the testing and reporting procedure, Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have called for an immediate reconfirmation test on the 5 reported cases.

8. The results will be made public; following due process

9. Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have also appealed to the NCDC to ensure that all future tests are conducted following due process in order to maintain continued confidence in the process

10. Residents and citizens are enjoined to remain calm while observing all personal and respiratory hygiene guidelines earlier issued as well as adhere to the social distancing prescriptions.

11. The Enforcement Committee of the Quarantine and Restriction of Movement Regulations 2020 have been mandated to see to the full operation of the provisions of the regulations.

12. The Incident Management committee will continue to meet on a daily basis to review and analyze the situation while updates will be provided as and when due.

Together, we can stop the spread of this pandemic.

Let’s be safe; let’s stay safe.

Signed:
Dr. Dominic Ukpong
Hon. Commissioner
Ministry of Health

April 02, 2020

Comments

Improved Working Conditions For Teachers In Rural Areas Underway As AKHA Advocates Provision Of Live-In Quarters

Secondary school teachers posted to rural areas in the State would have a sigh of relief as lawmakers of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has advocated to the State Government for the provision of live-in quarters to reduce the burden of transportation and solve issues of accomodation. This was sequel to a report presented to the House by the Chairman House Committee on Education, Hon. Kenim Onofiok during Plenary today. Hon. Onofiok informed the House that the Committee had invited stakeholders from the Ministry including Commissioner for Education, Chairmen, State Secondary Education Board, Permanent Secretaries to discuss on the matter. The House thereafter dissolved into the Committee of the Whole where the two recommendations of the report were adopted. The House recommended that the State Government extends the fencing of schools to every local government area in the State and also prioritize the building of live-in quarters for teachers to provide accommoda...

Breaking: A’Ibom Governor Removes Two Aides Amid Restructuring, Alleged PDP Links

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has relieved two aides of their duties with immediate effect, the state government announced on Monday. The affected officials are: Joseph Jacob Ikpak, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Support Services Felix Ekuri, Special Assistant to the Governor on Neighbourhood Watch Their disengagement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, who described the action as part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to realign the machinery of government with the Renewed Hope and ARISE Agenda. The statement did not provide further details on the circumstances leading to their removal. However, it was gathered from multiple political sources that the decision may be linked to the aides’ alleged association with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The claim has not been officially confirmed, and the government has not commented on the speculation. Political analysts no...

Tragedy at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital: Akwa Ibom Governor Orders Probe Into Maternal Death

By Asuquo Edem UYO – A tragic incident at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, has sparked public outrage after a young mother and her newborn reportedly died following a caesarean section, prompting Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to order an immediate high-powered investigation. A disturbing video of the grieving family began circulating on social media over the weekend, drawing widespread condemnation and raising fresh concerns over maternal mortality in the state. Moved by the incident, Governor Eno expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, to convene a commission of inquiry comprising medical and legal experts. The panel is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommend preventive measures. In a dramatic move, Dr. John led a midnight team of officials from the Ministry of Health to the hospital for an on-the-spot preliminary investigation, gathering firsthand testimonies f...

The Empire Naija

Search This Blog