Edo Takes Enlightenment Campaign On COVID-19 Second Wave To Rural Areas

As part of efforts to sensitize the public about the second wave of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Edo State Government has urged residents in rural areas to take precaution and obey the public health and safety protocols outlined to safeguard them from contracting COVID-19.

The team of health workers, drawn from the Edo State Ministry of Health, Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Board (ESPHDB), the state office of the World Health Organisation, among others, were at Afuze in Owan East Local Government Area (LGA) and Eyean, Uhunmwonde LGA, to educate the residents on the resurgence of coronavirus.

The team visited motor parks, Primary Healthcare Centres as well as markets in the areas to conscientize commuters, traders and nursing mothers on the new wage of the virus.

A member of the team and a representative of ESPHDB, Mrs. Irene Uwabor, in a chat with journalists, said the tour of the hotspots is intended to raise public consciousness on the resurgence of COVID-19 and on the need to be cautious, safe and protect themselves.

She said, “The team urged residents in the areas visited on the need to avoid crowded areas and the importance of using facemasks, even as they were encouraged to regularly wash their hands and practice imbibe other hygiene practices to keep themselves safe.”

According to her, taking the campaign to rural areas is also important to educate people that COVID-19 is not a myth and or a disease for those who live in urban areas.

“We used the opportunity to sensitise pregnant and nursing mothers to stay safe and obey necessary guidelines to protect themselves and their babies. The health facilities have been provided with equipment to ensure that patients are protected as well,” she added.