By Saminu Ibrahim
In a bid to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, particularly in Bende federal constituency, Honourable Benjamin Kalu has established the Bende Representative COVID-19 Task force.
The Task force will operate with 3 emergency vehicles around the Constituency for the sensitization of the people and provide rapid response to any health emergencies.
Kalu, who is the Spokesperson of the Nigerian House of Representatives made the declaration in a statement on Saturday.
According to the lawmaker, the effort is to stop the spread of the virus, stressing that there is a need to comply with all protocols and guidelines issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as well the Federal and State Governments.
He explained that he is in partnership with the emergency response team at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia as well as the MD of FMC Umuahia, Dr. Onyebuchi, to train select Bende healthcare personnel on World Health Organization (WHO) approved guidelines for preventing the spread of Coronavirus.
“These trainees will form the Bende Representative COVID-19 Emergency Health Corps.
“The training shall commence on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 after which the Emergency Health Corps will be discharged, not only to sensitize people of Bende, but to manage the COVID-19 Special Desks in all 13 identified health centres in Bende Federal Constituency” he said.
Consequently, Kalu noted that a total of 30 health workers from Bende are currently being shortlisted for this training and will be paid by the Constituency Office.
The statement which read in part said: “Additionally, I have deployed thousands of relief supplies and hygiene materials through the Task Force for distribution around all communities in the constituency; they include; face masks, hand sanitizers, hand gloves, washing soaps, thermometers and various food items.
“Distribution of these items will begin immediately after the training next week.
“In the face of this pandemic, I encourage all people of Bende not to despair, believing very strongly that this too shall pass.
“I urge every indigene of Bende to comply strictly with all public health guidelines and to minimize all unnecessary movement until the virus is under control or eradicated.
“I call on all my brothers and sisters not to see this unprecedented public health emergency as an avenue for politicking, but to seize the opportunity to reflect on our shared humanity and the importance of the social connection which we have often taken for granted.
“I assure all the people of Bende Federal Constituency that I remain committed to the well-being of ndi Bende and trust that I can count on your unalloyed cooperation as we navigate through this trying time”.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker urged all indigenes of Bende Federal Constituency to observe basic health precautions; such as frequent washing of hands, avoid touching eyes, mouth & nose and covering of mouth and nose with elbow or tissue when they cough or sneeze.
Kalu also enjoined them to avoid crowded places, avoid self medication, seek medical care early, practice social distancing among others.
