Abia COVID-19 Patient On The Run After Discovering His Status, Declared Wanted

A COVID-19 patient in Abia, Mr Emmanuel Ononiwu has taken to his heels after being informed of his status by officials of NCDC following a test in Aba.

The patient who was initially housed in a temporary facility in Aba before arrangements for movement to isolation centre escaped to an unknown destination, refusing all appeals made to him to make himself available for treatment.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu on Thursday made available to ABN TV, the state government, therefore, appealed to anyone with useful information on whereabouts of the patient to report to the nearest security agency.

“Abia State Government hereby declared one Mr Emmanuel Ononiwu wanted as he tested positive to COVID-19, as announced by NCDC, but refused to submit himself for appropriate medical management and isolation.

“He escaped from a temporary holding facility in Aba prior to movement to an isolation center after being informed of his COVID-19 status. All subsequent appeals made to him through his phone line, 08033484117, fell on deaf ears as he insisted that he will not turn himself in and has gone ahead to switch off his line along with that of his spouse who is also required to come in immediately for testing. His last tracked location was around Asa Triangle in Aba South LGA.

“If seen anywhere, please report to the nearest security agency or call 0700 2242 362, but do not approach him without full protection to avoid infection. Enforcement teams all over the state are also advised to be on the lookout and take him in as soon as he is found.

“All those who had contact with him in the past 14 days are strongly advised to call 0700 2242 362 and submit themselves for testing.

“We strongly advise all citizens and residents to be vigilant and take the necessary measures to protect themselves. Do not leave your house without wearing your face mask appropriately and ensure you maintain social distance at all times.

“COVID-19 is real and if we take responsibility as individuals we can win the battle against the virus in our state and country” the statement read.