The Enugu State Ministry of Health on Monday said that the suspected coronavirus patient has been confirmed negative to the novel virus.
A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, said that the result of the suspect’s specimen sent to IRUA Specialist Hospital for investigation tested negative.
Agujiobi said, “the Enugu State Ministry of Health hereby informs the general public that we have received the result of the investigation sent to IRUA Specialist Hospital which is further corroborated by Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as negative.
“We hereby enjoin the general public to go about their normal business, however, to remain alert and vigilant, observing basic personal health hygiene,” he said.
Meanwhile, the state government said it has released N20 million emergency funds to contain the scourge and other health challenges.
It said the money was released to the management of the State Isolation Centre to ensure that the facilities are optimally ready to deal with the situation and any other emergency that may arise forthwith.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Chidi Aroh, stated that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has provided the required leadership and logistic support to ensure that the State Ministry of Health and the Emergency Operation Centre are functioning at optimal level and fully ready to deal with any emergency in the state.
Aroh added that the state government has also ensured that the suspected patient, who had been declared negative is very stable in the isolation centre and receiving the best available medical treatment.
The information commissioner disclosed that the state government in line with routine protocol had informed the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and necessary samples collected and sent to IRUA Specialist Hospital in Edo State for investigation, saying: “We await the results of the investigation soon”.
While assuring the public that all the relevant agencies and institutions in the state are fully activated and very ready to respond to any issue arising from the Corona Virus – COVID19 or any other health emergency, the state government maintained that “there is absolutely no reason to panic”.
“The good people of Enugu State are further encouraged to ensure the highest level of personal hygiene including the regular washing of their hands and use of sanitizers in public places”, he said.