Abia State Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu have stated that before anyone can be tested of COVID-19 or CORONAVIRUS in the state, the person needs to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) standards.
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COVID-19: Applicable process for testing
1. When we receive Infornation on a possible COVID-19 case we dispatch a rapid response team to further review the case.
2. If the situation meets WHO/NCDC case definition handed over to us, we will take samples from the person, send to Edo State for testing and strongly advise the individual to isolate him/herself at home.
3. If the result returns positive then we send our ambulance to pick up the person to any of our isolation centers and commence treatment. If negative, the person leaves isolation and may wish to seek medical treatment for whatever made him suspect COVID-19.
4. As previously published here, there are defined parameters to meet before someone can be treated. You don’t just test whoever wants a test.
5. It is important at this time for the federal government to provide testing kits to all states of the federation including sample bags. The current system of moving samples from Abia or any SS/SE state to Edo State for testing is not ideal. Alternatively, link the states to original kits sellers or buy for states and collect back the money.
6. Only NCDC can confirm infection as they carry out the test. There is therefore nothing like cover up and there can’t be any.
Please stay safe, wash your hands regularly and maintain social distance. COVID-19 is not a death sentence and we have resources in place to manage those who come down with the illness.
-JOK
