Akwa Ibom Government said it has taken delivery of 63,336 doses of the Modena vaccine to tackle the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the state.
Secretary to the State Government and Chairman, Akwa Ibom State COVID-19 Committee, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem revealed that the vaccines would immediately be put to use to tackle the rate of infection which had already risen to 796 active cases.
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Speaking on Thursday in Uyo, Ekuwem explained that the monitoring mechanisms recently reactivated to ensure strict compliance with guidelines and protocols, would henceforth apprehend anyone flouting the directive.
He stated that a one hour maximum duration has been approved for religious gatherings, and warned that businesses, worship places and corporate organisations risk been shut down if they fail to comply with the directives.
“It has since been confirmed by NCDC that the Delta variant of COVID-19 virus found in other parts of the country is in our dear state and that would partly explain the rapid increase in the number of cases in the state because of its high infectivity rate.
“It has therefore, become imperative that we take actions to rein in the spread of the infection in the state. We have however noted, sadly, that the necessary precautions and guidelines earlier recommended are hardly being adhered to by most people thereby jeopardizing our health and making the control of the pandemic very difficult
“Just yesterday, the State took delivery of sixty-three thousand three hundred and thirty-six (63,336) doses of the Modena vaccine as part of its effort to combat the pandemic. Full roll out of vaccination commences immediately. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to get vaccinated and protected against the virus.
“The vaccine is safe and effective. It shall be available at designated areas in Uyo and PHC Bases in the different LGAs.
“Government shall henceforth enforce compliance with COVID-19 guidelines; religious houses (churches and mosques) should run at half capacity and services should last not more than one (1) hour.
“Hotels, sit-outs, clubs, schools, transport companies, supermarkets, Banks, pharmacies should all ensure compliance with all COVID-19 preventive measures in their facilities.
“Report any suspicious symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty in breathing and body pains and weakness to the nearest COVID-19 facility,” he stated.
