As the fear of coronavirus spike over the NIN directive by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy heightened, another Federal Government agency, the NCDC, advised states to redouble their efforts to stem the spread of the virus.
The NCDC also told the states to reintroduce measures that would prevent mass gatherings and ensure adherence to public health and safety measures, including mandatory use of face masks, physical distancing and provision of hand washing facilities in public places.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, gave the advice during an interview, in response to current efforts to check the new wave of COVID-19 spread.
He stated, “The increase in cases across the country requires our additional efforts. It is critical that state governments provide the required leadership and support needed. We urge states to reinstate measures that prevent mass gatherings and ensure adherence to public health and safety measures. These include mandatory use of face masks, physical distancing and provision of hand washing facilities in public settings.”
As the NCDC gave the advice, the Imo State Government on Monday confirmed 46 new cases of COVID-19 in the state.
The Chairman of COVID-19 Task Force Committee in the state, Prof Maurice Iwu, who spoke to journalists in Owerri, said that 462 samples were tested and 46 turned out positive.
The state Commissioner for Health, Damaris Osunkwo, said that the state government was ready to ensure that the second wave of the pandemic was defeated as soon as possible.
