The Abia state government has expressed disappointment with the activity of individuals who exploit the general public by demanding a fee for the issuance of burial permits.
The state government had issued a warning that those wishing to bury their loved ones during the period of COVID-19 pandemic should obtain permits free of charge.
The government while urging Abians to report anyone demanding for payment regarding the issuance of burial permit for sanction reiterated that all other forms of public gatherings remain outlawed including weddings of any form and drinking in public places, night clubs, etc.
Also Read: Ikpeazu, 66 Others Test Positive For COVID-19
In a release issued by the Secretary to Abia State Government (SSG), Chairman, Abia State COVID-19 Committee, Barr. Chris Ezem, he also warned private schools who have allegedly been running academic activities in secret to desist from such or have themselves to blame.
He also re-emphasized that COVID-19 is not a ruse but a reality, warning that all safety protocols should be adhered to.
“Abia State recorded 67 new cases as at Monday making the total number of infected persons to be 83 though a reasonable number from among that has been nursed back to good health and discharged.
“Our Medical Protocol Team is, no doubt, working assiduously to ensure speedy recovery of the others affected.
“We have sufficient facilities to manage the cases and currently, aggressive contact tracing is in progress in the state in order to contain any further spread of the virus.
“However, Abia State Government continues to warn that coronavirus is real and urges all Abians and residents alike to rise against the spread of the pandemic in the state by dutifully observing all COVID-19 protocols.
“In order to continue with the avowed responsibility of ensuring the safety of all Abians, Government further directs as follows:
“That all private and public hospitals must desist from turning back patients who show up at their facilities for the treatment of one ailment or the other. It is strongly advised that any suspected case of COVID-19 should not be rejected but be promptly referred for a test.
“Government will not hesitate to seal-off any health facility found flouting this directive.
“Government’s attention has been drawn to some schools surreptitiously reopening and illegally carrying out private tutorials. The government reiterates that our policy on the closure of schools still subsists. To this end, Government directs Hon. Commissioner for Education and all Education Secretaries of the 17 LGAs in the State to strictly monitor all private and public schools in their respective domains and report any school operating contrary to Government directive for appropriate sanction.
“Government is equally worried by the conduct of some churches operating in breach of government directives in regards to 50 persons per stream, two persons per pew, social distancing and wearing of face masks. Church leaders should not allow their places of worship to become veritable grounds for the spreading of this virus otherwise government will not hesitate to clamp down on erring churches and/or review its directives on religious gatherings.
“TC Chairmen are once again requested to review their various enforcement teams and processes for a more efficient output to stem the tide of current spread. Enforcement of government directives on borders, markets, burials, religious activities, transportation, and use of face masks must be intensified and fully adhered to.
“Government will come hard on any Local Government found wanting in ensuring compliance of these directives.
“Government wishes to emphasize that collection of burial permit is free of charge. The government also enjoins the general public to report any person demanding burial permit fees from them for appropriate sanction.
“All other forms of public gatherings remain outlawed including weddings of any form and drinking in public places, night clubs, etc.
“Government urges all Abians to be more cautious, observe all COVID-19 directives in the interest of all while assuring that our Medical Protocol Team is doing the needful to nurse our patients back to good health.
“Finally, Government wishes to inform the general public that appropriate machinery for random testing in all the 17 Local Government Areas is being put in place and solicit the cooperation of all Abians in the efforts to curtail the spread of the pandemic in the State.” the statement read.
