Coronavirus: Enugu State Government directs closure of schools, approved N320 million to prevent virus

Maureen Onuora in Enugu

The Enugu State Government has directed public and private schools in the State to conclude all activities in their various schools and shut down latest  Friday, to prevent and avoid possible coronavirus.

Penpushing reports that in a statement by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, also enjoined teachers and students to continue to observe the School Water Sanitization and Hygiene Programme (WASH) operative.

The statement also urged them to adhere strictly to  other standard personal hygiene protocol for prevention of COVID-19 infection, while in similar vein, Anambra State Government  has  directed all tertiary institutions, to proceed on vacation from 20th March, 2020.

Penpushing further reports that the all sports activities in the State have been cancelled while market leaders, hotel owners are encouraged to buy intra- red theometer and hand sanitizers

The Enugu State Government in a similar development has approved N320m to prevent and manage the scourge of Coronavirus in the State in case of any outbreak, and this was made known after the  State Executive Council meeting.

 Penpushing reports that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi disclosed this while briefing journalists adding that  the Council also approved the immediate upgrade and relocation of the State Isolation Centre to ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu.

The Permanent Secretary who is leading the state medical team stated  that the Council’s decision was based on the medical team’s recommendation and in line with the advice from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that Isolation Centres are best located within the Specialist Hospitals of the states for prompt and effective emergency response.

Penpushing also reports that, Agujiobi explained that the relocation “will be more convenient, easier for patients who may have Coronavirus or suspected to have Coronavirus to be attended to by medical specialists promptly and timely.

The Permanent Secretary added that the patient will also have access to “the X-Ray machines, the dialysis machine and other high tech machines domiciled in the Teaching hospital.”,and also expressed appreciation to Governor  Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his efforts and effective leadership role in driving “not just the health sector but the entire sectors in Enugu State”,

Penpushing reports further  that he disclosed that the Council considered and approved the procurement of more personal protective equipment, sanitizers, masks, respirators and all that are needed to aid the physicians manage their patients.

The team leader pointed out that the team requested for the procurement of full-fitted ambulances and incident vehicles to help respond to emergencies as they may arise, as well as release of funds for mass advocacy and enlightenment in every nook and cranny of the state, churches, markets and schools.

“In a couple of hours, all the radio stations in Enugu will be agog with jingles and everything that we need to know regarding the Coronavirus”, he said, adding  that the Council equally approved that funds be made available so that the health workers will have the requisite training and pursue contact tracing of those who may be suspected or may turn out to be positive, “so that we don’t need to have anything lacking

Penpushing further reports that, Agujiobi explained that the sum of N150 million was approved by the Council to tackle the issue of Coronavirus and to ensure that the state is fully prepared, while the sum N80 million was also approved for procurement of important and essential drugs that may be needed to treat and manage Coronavirus, Lassa fever and other communicable diseases.

“The Enugu State Executive Council, in addition, approved N100 million to be kept in the Emergency Operation Centre account, in case of any emergency or any need to access fund before the next EXCO, so that we won’t be talking that there is no fund.’

Penpushing also reports that,the team leader stated that the toll free line is 117 and 112 while the dedicated line for emergency response is 08182555550.