Abia govt raises alarm as patent shop owners take over treatment of COVID-19 patients

The Abia State government said that it has uncovered what it described as the “unwholesome” activities of patent medicine dealers who now treat COVID-19 carriers in their facilities.

Barr. Chris Ezem, the Secretary to Abia State Government (SSG) and also the chairman, Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19, Abia State in a chat said that the state has equally banned any form of cultural and traditional festivals across the 17 local government areas of the state till further notice.

Barr. Ezem said that the state government found the act by the patent medicine dealers as disturbing; stressing that the Gov. Ikpeazu led administration is more concerned about the safety of its citizens and the dangers owners and attendants at the drug stores face following their inability to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.

According to Ezem, the state government in a renewed vigor to avert further community spreading of the deadly COVID-19 Pandemic in the State has directed the commencement of community testing in all the LGAs in the State.

Information has it that the governor will be flagging off a COVID-19 Sensitization Committee across the 17 LGAs in the State; with major flag-off at Aba South LGA Town Hall.

The state government used the opportunity to call on Aba South, Abians among other residents to present themselves for the all-important exercise holding on the 19^th of August.

“Government has noticed an unwholesome trend where most Patent Medicine Dealers are now treating suspected COVID-19 patients in the State.

“The trend is not only worrisome as government is concerned more about the safety and exposure of our Patent Medicine Store Dealers/Pharmacists.

“Consequently, Government will be holding Interactive Sessions with this group on COVID-19 and their expected roles on 20th August, 2020 at Michael Okpara Auditorium.”

On the other hand, Government will continue with its various protocols on Covid-19 as follows:

Markets will now operate from Mondays to Saturdays from 7am to 5pm daily. It is now compulsory for both sellers and buyers at these markets to wear their face masks and maintain all other covid-19 protocol.

In view of the flagrant abuse of Burial/Wedding ceremonies, Government directs that going forward, all applicants for approval for these events will apply through the TC Chairman of the LG to the Office of the SSG and must complete the newly designed Undertaking Form to comply with all Covid-19 Protocol failing which, the applicant/priest or traditional ruler in-charge, will face prosecution.

Burials will continue to hold only on 1st and 3rd week of the month, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only.

Religious worship shall continue to hold on Sundays with only 50 persons and all wearing face masks plus compliance to other covid-19 protocols.

Government hereby lift the ban on mid-week activities but strictly in compliance with the protocols as to 50 persons only all wearing face mask etc.

Eateries are now allowed to operate fully but must be sure that all sitting arrangement are arranged with social distance in view and operators must wear their face masks at all time.

“The provision of running water, infra-raythermometer and sanitizers at all-time remain compulsory.

“Event places, clubs and cinemas are to remain closed in line with Federal Government directives.

Curfew is still in operation from 10pm to 6am in line with Federal Government directive and all security agencies and Local Government Enforcement Team are to enforce compliance.

Government directs that all civil servants from Grade Level 12 and above are now to resume work from Monday to Friday effective 17th day of August, 2020.

The Police and other security operatives are hereby directed to ensure full compliance with all Government directives.

Cultural and traditional festivals are hereby banned till further notice.