Abia State Government says in furtherance of its bid to protect its citizens from the novel coronavirus, it would pool every resource available to ensure the State was free of the virus.

Secretary to the State Government, Chris Ezem stated this today at the Government House, Umuahia, while inaugurating a committee to manage the prevention the incursion of the coronavirus and preparation to handle issues around the reported outbreak of the Coronavirus in Nigeria.

The committee has the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Osuji, as Chairman, his counterparts in Information, John Kalu, Homeland Security, Daniel Okoli, as members, and the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Chijioke Madumere, as the Secretary, .

Inaugurating the committee, Chris Ezem stated that its terms of reference include: 1) launching preventive media campaigns 2) putting machinery in place to protect vulnerable groups such as school children 3) identification and preparation of isolation centers in case of any outbreak in the state, and 4) procurement of test kits and drugs as well as coordination with state and federal agencies.

Others include: 5) mitigation plan to prevent collapse of trade and commerce in the state in the unlikely event of an outbreak, and 6) defining a plan to protect public places including eateries, hotels and restaurants.

He enjoined the committee members to ensure that no stone was left unturned to protect the people of the State and residents alike from the reported Coronavirus outbreak as the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration prioritizes the health and safety of the citizens above other considerations.

He gave the assurance that Government would provide necessary resources to support the committee in the discharge of its mandate without any hindrance.

Responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman, Dr Joe Osuji stated that the State Ministry of Health had started early enough to put necessary preventive measures in place as well as the establishment of response protocols in case of any outbreak in the State.

He added that the Ministry had already identified isolation centers in Umuahia and Aba while working on a third center to be located in Abia North Senatorial Zone.

Dr Osuji further called on the people of the State to observe good hygiene including regular washing of hands, cleaning of their environment and prompt reporting of suspected cases to medical facilities in the State.

He informed that the Ministry had already procured face masks and gloves for distribution to medical centers and would soon embark on preventive screening of people who visit government offices and other high risk public places.