Abia discharges index COVID-19 case

May 01

17:34 2020

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The Abia state government has discharged one of the two patients admitted over COVID-19 in the state.

As of Thursday evening, Nigeria recorded 1,932 confirmed cases of COVID-19, out of which two cases were in Abia.

Addressing journalists on Friday, Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of the state, said the discharge of the patient is a positive development.

Ikpeazu commended the healthcare workers for their efforts, adding that such commitment to saving lives should be enhanced.

He said the state government has introduced Abia Telehealth Mobile App as a measure to increase access to healthcare services in the state.

“This is a remote clinical health app for healthcare service delivery. Our healthcare consumers can access healthcare from their providers,” he said.

“Whether for the first time or as a follow up to reconnect to continue or complete care. Remote healthcare service delivery has become pertinent to every local healthcare system model with current realities.

“Our focus is to ensure that the testing of all high risk contacts of both index cases are carried out and we are hopeful for negative results as the case with all tested contacts so far.”

In a statement, Azubuike Onyebuchi, medical director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, also expressed delight over the development.

He called on leaders of trade unions to support the government in tackling the virus.

“This incident is a wakeup call for us all to remain more vigilant by maintaining a high index of suspicion and practice infection prevention and control measures more than ever,” the statement read.

“On our part, as management, we will continue to strengthen safety measures in the workplace through screening of patients at the entry points, enforcement of compulsory masking of all patients and provision of requisite personal protective wears to staff.

“I also wish to say that as management we will continue to respond accordingly to changes in the dynamics of the pandemic.

“Leaders of various trade unions are therefore enjoined to support the management by disseminating the right information to their members.

“As healthcare providers, we are enjoined to avoid stigmatization of COVID 19 patients and those managing them as it is a disease that can affect anyone irrespective of his or her social status.”