CALABAR– The Cross River State Government Monday issued a public health alert over the looting of public and private properties in Calabar between Friday 23rd and Monday 26th Oct, 2020.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu in a statement said during the attacks, the Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital (former IDH) in Calabar South, the CRS Essential Drug Program (EDP) premises on Barracks road, and the CRS COVID 19 treatment center in Tinapa (Adiabo) where amongst properties invaded and destroyed by the looters.
She further reteraites that equipments and furniture, some containing patents’ samples for Tuberculosis (TB), HIV and COVID 19, were either carted away or spilled in the rubbles that they left behind, adding that public health implication of this is understandably huge.
She therefore noted that after due assessment of the affected sites, there is increased risk of disease outbreak in those who took part in the looting activities especially in the listed sites, their neighbours or anybody who may be within close range at the contaminated sites.
She however said the ministry has ordered immediate decontamination of the affected sites and the close environments, adding that members of the public are advised to follow all the earlier established protocol for COVID 19 and respiratory route infections such as hand hygiene, use of face mask, and restriction from crowded areas.
Also, “an arrangement has been made for free testing for the listed disease (TB, COVID 19 and HIV). Exposed individuals and others who desire to know their status should proceed for free testing and treatment at the General Hospital, Calabar located along Mary Slessor road” she said
She therefore advised the public to kindly report any unusual cough, fever or any abnormal presentations to the nearest public health facility (hospital) for proper medical care, adding that government is working round the clock to restore public healthcare services in the affected places.
