COVID-19: Bayelsa traces, isolates 60 persons that had contact with index case

TRACKING______Over 60 persons who had close contact with the coronavirus (COVID-19) index case in Bayelsa State have been enlisted for 14 days self-isolation under the strict supervision of healthcare professionals.

Co-chairman of the COVID-19 committee and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Inodu Apoku, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the activities of the committee.

He said all contact persons have all been assigned volunteer health workers who will follow them up daily while the government makes sure that none of them goes hungry during the period of isolation.

He said, “So far, they have all been very cooperative and none has developed any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. They have all been given face masks, gloves, barometers and hand sanitisers.

“The state government has also made concrete plans to ensure they do not lack basic item such as food, water, toiletries during this period of self-isolation.

“All high-risk contacts’ samples have been collected and sent for testing while risk communication and community engagement with these persons are ongoing.”

Apoku further disclosed that the index case currently quarantined at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, is responding to treatment as all her vital organs are working normally.

He said the state government has established a government-controlled quarantine facility for contacts who are unable to self-isolate themselves as they continue to trace more contacts.