Some executive members of Ebonyi state executive council, have tested positive to the coronavirus disease.
Although, the names and designated portfolios of the affected members were not stated.
This was confirmed by Governor David Umahi, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, and Acting Commissioner, Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Barr. Uchenna Orji.
Umahi lamented that the virus has taken a new twist as it has penetrated communities and that Ebonyi has so far recorded about 75 cases out of over 3, 000 samples tested.
He ordered all government offices to be shutdown from Thursday June 4, 2020 to Tuesday June 9 to ensure effective contact tracing.
All Exco members and government officials especially of the Ministries of Finance and Budget have been advised to undergo COVID-19 test within this seven days period.
While civil servants working in the state Ministries of Finance and Budget are to embark on self isolation.
He pleaded with Ebonyians who are outside the state to remain where they are as records have shown that the virus was introduced into the state by returnees from epicenter states.
The statement reads: “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.
” In view of this develoment, he passionately appeals to all sons and daughters of Ebonyi State who are living outside the shores of the state to avoid the risk of returning to the state, as records have shown that the positive cases hitherto recorded in the state were those who returned from the epicentre states.
” The Governor further pleads with our people to take seriously the NCDC COVID-19 Protocols, especially all precautionary measures such as hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, use of face masks, social distancing and avoiding of crowded places, moreso as we have entered into another phase of spread of COVID-19 called community transmission.
” 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.
“All civil servants shall work from their respective homes within this period but shall leave their phones open to respond to official imperatives.
” 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 and Budget are advised to undergo COVID-19 test within this seven days period.
“The Governor further advises that during this period of close down 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.
” Meanwhile, the Governor commends all those who have made concerted efforts in our fight against Coronavirus pandemic and warmly congratulates the newly appointed Caretaker Chairmen for their wonderful handling of COVID-19 emergencies.
