The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Akwa Ibom State branch, has applauded the preventive measures taken so far by Governor Udom Emmanuel to prevent Akwa Ibom people from being infected by the dreaded corona virus (also known as COVID-19) pandemic.
This assertion was made by the chairman of the organisation, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, in a press briefing in his office today, Friday, 27th March, 2020.
Comrade Franklyn Isong who said that the CLO had carried out an appraisal on the preparedness of the state government in case of eventual outbreak of the pandemic in the state, and was satisfied so far with the level of government’s preparedness as well as the preventive measures put in place by Governor Emmanuel.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, on the 26th of March, 2020, “the government has paid salaries of state government workers for the month of March on Thursday, 26th March, 2020. Civil servants have been ordered to stay-at-home for one (1) week with effect from Monday, 30th March, 2020. All borders and roads leading in and out of the State have been closed, except for the transportation of food items. Ibom Air has been directed to suspend all flight operations from Sunday, 29th March, 2020. Markets are to remain open for sale of foodstuff and essential items only.”
Speaking to newsmen on the pandemic, the state CLO boss commended the governor for the proactive measures taken to prevent importation of the virus into the State and urged the relevant government agencies and security operatives to ensure full implementation of the directives.
The international human rights group advised all residents and citizens of the state to protect themselves and help prevent spreading the virus to others by: washing their hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers; cover their noses and mouths with disposable tissues or flexed elbows when they cough or sneeze; maintain social distance (1 meter or 3 feet) from people who are unwell; Stay at home and self-isolate from others in the household if they feel unwell; avoid touching their eyes, noses, or mouths if their hands are not clean; use face masks when necessary and maintain personal hygiene always.
Comrade Isong sued for collaborative efforts between all health workers in the state and the Ministry of Health in order to tackle this pandemic, which is yet to be recorded in Akwa Ibom state.
