Ahead of the Christmas celebration, the Abia State Government has relaunched control measures to mitigate the harsh effect of the COVID-19 of the pandemic.
The Government directed the immediate reinstatement of all COVID-19 protocols as it affects religious activities in the State.
It charged all COVID-19 Market Committees to brace up to the new challenge and ensure strict compliance of the COVID-19 protocols in all markets in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, and the Chairman, Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19, Barrister Chris Ezem, gave the directive in a press release made available to newsmen in Umuahia, the state capital, on Thursday.
The Government also directed transporters to ensure that government directives on a number of passengers and use of face masks by both driver and passengers are strictly adhered to.
The Abia Government further revealed that arrangements have been concluded to ensure that as soon as the COVID-19 vaccine is available in the country, Abians will be the first in line to receive it.
It reassured that no resident or citizens of Abia State will be left behind in the distribution of the vaccines starting from the most vulnerable persons in the state.
The press release partly stated, “In order to ensure full compliance with the protocols for preventions and protection of Ndi Abia, Government has directed that Commissioner for HomeLand Security, Prince Dan Okoli, head the Compliance Enforcement Team in the State. The team has been charged to liaise with relevant security agencies, market and transport unions and Transition Committee Chairmen of the various LGs to set up a watertight team that will ensure that NCDC guidelines are obeyed across the State at all times.
“Government wishes to remind Ndi-Abia and all those returning to the State for the yuletide that our molecular laboratories are very well in operation and they should call at any of the laboratories in Aba and Amachara for Covid-19 test to confirm their status. The government further reminds Ndi-Abia that community testing is still ongoing and our medical protocol team is in place to nurse any positive case back to good health”.
