Fear pervades Imo as Government keeps mum over Covid – 19 index case

The already tensed atmosphere in Imo over the announcement of an index case of covid – 19 has been heightened, as Governor Hope Uzodinma has chosen to keep sealed lips over the matter.

While frantic efforts have been made to reach out to the Health and Information Commissioners have proved abortive, there is palpable fear that quantum leap in the spread of the pandemic.

Information as to the tracing of the contacts of the index case is still shrouded in secrecy.

Most professional bodies have addressed their members to stay away from Government house since the index case is suspected to be one of the aides of the Governor. It is suspicious that other aides may have also been affected, thereby calling for the quarantining of all Uzodinma’s aides.

Among one of the professional bodies that issued such warning is the Correspondent Chapel.

Meanwhile, the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Owerri, Imo State says the first index case of COVID-19 is currently receiving treatment at its isolation center, says the hospital spokesperson, Mrs Jacinta Achonu.

Achonu made the confirmation in Owerri on Sunday while briefing newsmen on the first report of Coronavirus case in the state.

“Yes, I can confirm to you that a COVID-19 patient of about 45 years was brought to the isolation center of FMC, Owerri about 2:30 pm and a team of medical experts is managing the situation,” she said.

She said the hospital management was unaware of the identity of the patient, but admitted that the patient was showing symptoms of Coronavirus.

“I don’t know the identity of the patient but we have been waiting for his arrival and he finally arrived on Saturday,” Achonu said.

The spokesperson said only the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) could disclose the identity of the patient.