Fourteen new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Akwa Ibom State, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Augustine Umoh has revealed.
Umoh who made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking with journalists in Uyo noted that the patients have been quarantined in their homes while contact tracing of their households and associates has begun.
Meanwhile, it appears that many residents no longer adhere to COVID-19 protocols, especially in public places, believing that the virus has been tackled.
The state government has, however, continued in its awareness creation and sensitisation of residents, in collaboration with Breakthrough Action Nigeria, especially on the risk of COVID-19 and the need to maintain guidelines, warning that the virus is still very much around and mode of transmission remained the same.
However, the Health Commissioner speaking on the resurgence of the virus urged the public to observe the protocols and guidelines to tackle the pandemic.
He said, ” As I speak, the 14 cases that we have now are on home isolation and monitoring. The process of contact tracing has recommenced for those that we could pick and those that are positive for management, follow up and monitoring.
” We are not surprised. What is important now is for us to get to the former tempo that assisted us to bring the number of patients down. ”
Umoh reminded residents of the state to observe COVID-19 protocols such as regular hand washing, social distancing, the use of face masks and hand sanitisers.
He said the Ministry of Health has commenced another round of public enlightenment to create awareness as the mode of transmission of the disease has not changed.
“The disease is still transmitted through personal contact, nasal passage, air etc.
