COVID-19: Anambra Govt trains grassroots taskforce on case identification

Following the increasing cases of Covid-19 in the state, Anambra State Government has organised a one-day training for Local Government and Ward COVID-19 Taskforce on case identification and treatment.

Commissioner for Health, Vincent Okpala explained that the training was in line with the state government’s proactive measures in containing the pandemic.

Dr Okpala, while addressing participants at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, enjoined them to look out for people with symptoms of COVID-19 for testing and transmission to relevant authorities.

He identified some COVID-19 symptoms like loss of taste and smell, shortness of breath, cough, headache, abdominal pain or diarrhea, fever, extreme tiredness or feeling unwell.

“In this battle of the pandemic, coordination is the key. So we are coordinating by the highest level of government led by Gov. Willie Obiano.

The task of the participants is to go from house hold to house hold seeking for people with COVID-19 symptoms, identifying contacts and helping in ensuring compliance with the measures.”

He noted that the state through the Ministry of Health had developed an application that participants could input in their smart phones; they would be expected to train others on how to use the application.

“This application is a screening form. It is expected to be filled and submitted online. So, information gathered will enable us to take action about screening and treatment of any case.

“COVID-19 is not a death sentence. I encourage all to continue to observe all the preventive measures from NCDC and WHO.”

The commissioner urged the public on early visit to healthcare facilities in order to avoid death from COVID-19 pandemic.