Ebonyi government on Thursday warned the public against non adherence to the COVID-19 protocols aimed at containing the spread of the virus in the state and country at large.
Dr Daniel Umezurike, Commissioner for Health in the state gave the warning at a ceremony in Abakaliki to mark Nigeria at 60 and Ebonyi State at 24.
Umezurike, while speaking at the event tagged, “Sectoral Scorecard of the State Governor, David Umahi,” said the global pandemic had not been eradicated in the state.
He said, “The cases of COVID-19 in Ebonyi have reduced tremendously but not eradicated.
“We are not saying that it has been eradicated because there are indexes to be used before you can say, that a disease is eradicated.
“We are still conducting test on people but all have been coming negative. We are still urging the general public to continue to obey the protocols to avoid contact with the virus.
“It is not over until it is over; until the World Health Organisation and National Centre for Disease Control announced that it has been eradicated.”
Umezurike, further urged the people to continue to imbibe the habit of regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water as well as the use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
“Always keep physical distancing, at least two meters (6 feet) between you and anyone. Avoid crowds. Always wear a face mask in any public place.
“Endeavour to practise good respiratory hygiene; when sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve at the flexed elbow or with a tissue, then dispose of the used tissue safely, immediately.
“Exposed persons should stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing and notify relevant authorities immediately,” the Commissioner added.