Coronavirus: Ekiti begins screening of passengers at border towns

From Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
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Following the confirmation of the first case of the deadly Covid-19 known as Coronavirus in the country, the Ekiti state government has commenced the screening of passengers travelling into the state.

The Governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi , who said the measure was taken towards prevention of the spread of the virus, noted that the screening would be carried out by a special taskforce at the boundary of neighbouring states.

Fayemi also performed the inauguration of a 40-man taskforce on Covid-19, which he chaired, with representatives from various sectors to provide residual capacity for successful containment of the deadly epidemic.

The state governor further explained that contact tracing and necessary measures would be put in place in collaboration with leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and their counterpart from the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), to maintain the passenger manifest for fast traceability.

He revealed that the government had reactivated its response and surveillance team for the prevention of the deadly viral infection.

Fayemi said though there had been no reported case of an outbreak in the state, but called on the residents of Ekiti not to panic as his government has put measures in motion to contain the spread of the virus.

He added that all public health facilities and infrastructures across the state have been activated to respond adequuately to the scourge, saying the epidemic surveillance officers had swung into action by moving into rural communities, where extensive sensitization was required.

“As a responsible and responsive government, we are conscious of our obligation to educate our people on the symptoms of Coronavirus, what to do when detected, how to live a healthy and hygienic life to prevent contact with the virus, and to allay the fear of the people by providing correct, accurate and timely information to avoid panic.

“But in line with the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) directive, we have designated an isolation center in the state for quarantine or treatment if necessary.

“In Ekiti State, activation of our facilities and infrastructure to manage the infection are in top gear. We have set up 24/7 Emergency Operation Centre to coordinate our response to this public health treat.

“I believe the fight against this scourge requires the active engagement of all stakeholders and residents of our dear state.

“To this end, I have set up a 40-person Ekiti State Task Force on COVID-19 under my direct leadership with representative from all relevant sectors of the state including medical experts, government officials, religious leaders, market women and civil society.

“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that Ekiti people are prepared to beat the virus and minimize its impact on our economy”, he said.

He however, appealed to Ekiti residents to make personal hygiene their lifestyle, adding that they should engage in regular hand washing with sanitizer, cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing to prevent the spread of the epidemic.