Health
THE Anambra State House of Assembly Speaker, alongside the House members have been tested for COVID-19 pandemic.
The State Ministry of Health carried out compulsory COVID-19 tests for members and staff members on the invitation from the Speaker, Uche Okafor.
The COVID-19 tests for members and staff members at the assembly followed a spike in cases of COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
The Speaker said that the virus was spreading at an alarming rate in all the communities in the state and urged the public to always go for tests.
According to him, the tests have become necessary in order to ensure that none of the members and workers is infected.
“We must all come to terms with the reality on the ground that COVID-19 pandemic is real; it is in our midst and it is killing people.
“This exercise is to show to our people that there is no harm in going for COVID-19 tests because it is very important to know your status and take necessary steps to stay safe and be alive.
“The Gov. Willie Obiano administration is investing a lot to contain the spread of the disease in the state and we need to support the government’s efforts by adhering to the health guidelines,” he said.
The State Commissioner for Health, Vincent Okpala, said COVID-19 pandemic testing was key to early detection and increased chances of survival.
According to him, not knowing one’s status can lead to death.
Okpala noted that the number of COVID-19 pandemic positive cases had gone up since the beginning of the second wave, compared to the first wave, where the state recorded one of the least numbers of positive cases.
“Between Dec. 7, 2020 and Jan.19, we have carried out about 5,000 tests and currently we carried out 14,600 tests and are still counting, out of which 515 are positive.
“We are glad that we have built a system to deal with this pandemic, but what we don’t want is to overwhelm the system.
“This is why we have increased our ability at getting people tested on a daily basis and we have deepened sensitisation across the state, urging people to go for tests, when they feel the signs and symptoms of this disease.
“The test and treatments are free; call our health lines to get tested, because the earlier we detect the disease, the better the chances of saving lives,” he said.
He commended the legislators for showing leadership by wearing their facemasks and observing physical distancing, while urging them to take the awareness campaigns to their respective constituencies.
– Jan. 21, 2021 @ 18:29 GMT |
Tags: Anambra Speaker House members take COVID-19 pandemic tests
