Abia records two coronavirus cases

Two confirmed coronavirus cases have been recorded in Abia State on Monday.

Commissioner for information in the state, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, made this known in a statement, saying that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control confirmed the cases.

He, however, added that the result of one Prosper Vincent, who arrested and isolated in the state came back negative.

The statement read in part, “We have received the report of two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Abia State this (Monday) evening from NCDC. Both patients are advanced in age but currently stable at an isolation centre in our state.

“On the direction of the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, we have deployed our ventilators to the isolation center in readiness for their use if eventually required to nurse them back to good health.

“Our well-trained medical personnel are offering all necessary support and we hope and pray the patients survive this ailment.

“Contact tracing has commenced in earnest and our rapid response team is currently moving to bring in those who may have had contact with the two index cases.

“Meanwhile, the result of “Prosper Vincent” returned negative and he will promptly be released from isolation.”

The commissioner also called on Abia residents not to panic but continue to observe all the guidelines issued by NCDC and the state inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19.

“Based on the age of the patients, we are looking at a possible community transmission and will strongly advise that all those who may have come in contact with the two individuals who hail from Ukwa and Umuahia North areas of the state immediately call 0700 2242 362,” he added.