COVID-19: Ebonyi orders testing and decontamination for budget ministries

The Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, on Wednesday, June 4, 2020, ordered the closure of the state’s government offices over the rising cases of Coronavirus in the state.

The Commissioner for Information Uchenna Orji made the announcement in the state capital, stating that the governor was alarmed at the manner in which state officials got infected.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Wednesday announced 23 new confirmed cases within 24 hours in the state.

The governor directed government officials in the ministries of finance and budget to undergo COVID-19 test within seven days.

“Whereas we have discharged a total of 26 COVID-19 cases and 49 cases still receiving treatment and in stable conditions, the Governor is disturbed about the way and manner some State Executive Council members were infected, although they are also in stable conditions.

“In order to ensure effective contact tracing, he has directed that all Government offices be shut down from Thursday, 4th June 2020 and resume on Wednesday, 10th June 2020. The Governor is concerned about the number of Coronavirus cases recorded in the state which has unfortunately risen to 75 out of over 3, 000 samples tested.

“The Governor further directs Dr Richard Nnabo and his team to commence comprehensive decontamination of Government offices including the new and old Government House complex. All Exco members and Government officials, especially of the Ministries of Finance and Budget, are advised to undergo COVID-19 test within this seven days period.

“The Governor further advises that during this period of the closedown of Government offices, all workers, especially from the two Ministries aforementioned, should go into self-isolation. All site operations shall, however, remain open, but must be in strict observance of COVID-19- protocols.” the statement read.

On Wednesday night, the NCDC announced 348 new cases of Covid-19 in Nigeria, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 11166.