BREAKING: COVID – 19: Sharp Increase in Imo Covid – 19 cases as Testing resumes after 14 days

While Nigeria is battling with the ever increasing cases of dreaded Coronavirus pandemic, there is palpable fear in Imo State for spike increase following alleged refusal of test centers to continue with Imo suspected cases due to government’s infidelity in agreement.

This cold war between the State and Covid – 19 Test Centers also affected the working schedules of the local committees, particularly as it concerns contact tracing for over 14 days. This can explain the high cases being experienced in Imo. Within two days, Imo has recorded 30 cases.

Unknown to the residents of the state, patients with suspected Covid – 19 symptoms never had the opportunity of getting diagnosed to know the exact ailments that may have befallen them. There is fear that that most patients may have died of Covid – 19 as wrong treatment may have been administered.

According to the Personnel of State Ministry of Health who spoke on condition of anonymity, the state is in danger as those concerned with the testing of patients with suspected cases of Covid – 19 stopped two weeks ago.

He accused Imo government of paying lips service to effective management of Covid – 19 pandemic.

Speaking to our correspondent, he said: “My brother, if I can talk to you in confidence, we are not fighting any Covid – 19 in Imo State. Governor Uzodinma is taking Imo people for a ride. Otherwise, how can anyone explain why Imo could not conduct any test for the past two weeks?

“It is not about media blitz. Covid – 19 may over run this state. It is only through testing that we can know the true position of things and this will also help the government to plan ahead. This is not so.

Our source further disclosed that the Ministry has not paid a dime to the diagnostic centers where Covid – 19 testes are carried out. Tests just began two days after back and forth bargain.

NewsTrack Nigeria can also authoritatively confirm that Imo much touted Covid – 19 Isolation center created by Imo State government is a mere church yard with painted sepulchers. Our checks showed that the Isolated Center lacks the needed facilities to effectively manage Covid – 19 patients.

The only saving grace to the residents of the state is the Federal Medical Center. Meanwhile, All Imo cases are referred to Owerri Federal Medical Center.

This has rather put the medical workers at high risk, as personnel complain of lack of Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE).