The Commissioner for Health in Cross River State, Dr Betta Edu has warned residents and visitors to the state against disregard for safety measures in wake of the new COVID 19 variant named “Omicron.”
The Commissioner for Health who received the non Pharmaceutical donation from WHO in her office has called on Cross Riverians to be aware of the new variant Omicron and its more virulent nature.
She in her speech stated that there has been an increase in the number of positive COVID19 cases reported in the state.
“Cross River State has witnessed an increase by over 200% in the number of Positive cases recorded within the last two weeks. Last week alone we reported 26 new cases as opposed to the usual 4-6 cases on average in a week.
“Following the trends, this was expected as we go towards the Christmas festive season with more visitors flooding into the state to visit their loved ones at the end of the year”.
She warned Cross Riverians to use their facemask in public places as the continuous disregard for the use of face masks in public places will only increase the spread of COVID19 in the state.
She thanked the WHO for supporting the state’s response with a face mask that is specifically targeted to health workers vowing that this will be distributed across the state to frontline health workers and vaccinators.
The Commissioner on behalf of the State COVID19 response informed the public that there are plans to rebuild the state-owned 100-bed isolation center which was equipped with highly sophisticated equipment but was destroyed and expensive items carted away during the #ENDSARS protest in Calabar.
The Commissioner thanked UNICEF for their support to COVID19 mass vaccination exercise calling on Cross Riverians to go and get vaccinated against COVID19.
She also stated that if you have received your second jab more than 6 months ago you need to get a booster dose to improve your immunity and prevent you from being susceptible to the mutating virus.
“Until we have vaccinated enough persons to reach herd immunity, you need to be deliberate about wearing your mask; especially for older persons and persons with other underlying medical issues,” She said.
The donated face masks were have been distributed to both Primary and Secondary Health Facilities in the State for onward distribution to all health workers especially those in the frontline as well as those who are currently carrying out the Covid-19 vaccination exercise across the State.
