…Flays scam schemes, assures on economic stimulus package
By Lucky Isibor,
The Edo State Government has embarked on the training of 4,218 medical personnel across the state and stocking up of medical supplies, among other measures being put in place to combat the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.
Deputy Governor and Chairman, Edo State Response Committee on COVID-19, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, said this in a press briefing, Monday, March 30, on the state government’s preparedness to halt the outbreak in the state.
According to him, “The Edo State Government has embarked on training of a total of 4,218 medical personnel drawn from the 18 Local Government Areas of the state in the first instance. These persons already have basic training for handling crisis, but their skill-level needs to be updated to contain the emerging trends. They would be undergoing Train-the-Trainers (ToT) sessions, after which they will go back to their respective facilities to train their colleagues. The health workers are drawn from private, state and federal government medical centres.”
He noted that the state was ramping up medical supplies to tackle the pandemic, especially the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which would ensure that any health worker who would be on the frontline during the outbreak would be equipped with complete kits to protect themselves.
He added, “We are also working to increase the number of ventilators and other equipment necessary for isolation of cases, while we work towards containing the outbreak. At the moment, the state has 25 ventilators already, but we have made orders for more ventilators and expect their delivery very soon.
“The Edo State Government will commence massive screening and testing for coronavirus in order to get a statistical sense of how widespread the virus is in the state to ensure effective planning and containment efforts.”
“The enlarged Edo State Response Committee on COVID-19 would continue to meet virtually every day to monitor and manage the state’s response to the pandemic.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Coordinator in Edo State, Mrs. Faith Ireye said for the two confirmed cases in the state, 71 contacts are listed as the government looks inward to keep over list rather under list.
She said 13 persons have been identified with their samples taken to Irrua Specialist Hospital for testing.
“For those who returned from abroad, over 36 persons were on self-isolation and completed their 14 days and now we are following up with 46 others. Social distancing is important, we should work together to keep the state safe for us all.
Mean while the state government has distanced itself from scam schemes by unauthorised persons who have been collating names and details of unsuspecting members of the public for an alleged relief package.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie said the state government is not involved in such sham, describing it as the handiwork of unscrupulous elements out to defraud unsuspecting residents.
“I want to clarify that the state government has not recruited anybody or group of persons to collate names or bank details on its behalf. Members of the public are advised to disregard the message.
“The economic stimulus that has been developed by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to cushion the economic effect of coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the state is targeted at the poor and vulnerable persons. We would explore the right channels in reaching out to these persons when the exercise kicks off.
“We, however, urge residents to support the state government’s efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the state by complying with the basic precautionary measures and other guidelines to contain the scourge,” he said.
