EFFECTIVE BORDER CONTROL KEY TO CURTAILING SPREAD OF COVID – 19 — Dr Michael Nwoko

By Frank Iroroh

The Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on Health Monitoring and leader of the border health surveillance team, Dr. Michael Nwoko, has said  effective border surveillance is germaine to curtailing the spread of COVID-19. 

Dr. Nwoko stated this while addressing reporters at Ologbo, Edo – Delta border.

He stated that some Nigerians were not complying with government’s directives and precautionary measures, noting that despite the closure of the borders some persons still found ways to manoeuvre through the borders.

The SSA, however, assured that the state government was on top of the situation, adding that the constitution of the border enforcement taskforce by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had assisted in no small measure in tightening the borders.

Dr. Nwoko further stated that the synergy between the security agents, task force team and health workers had brought about effective border surveillance across the State.

He commended the Governor for setting up mobile courts across the three Senatorial districts to prosecute violators of the Inter – State restriction of movement and further control the influx of persons into the state.

The SSA observed that poor enforcement of the inter-State lockdown by neighboring states was putting pressure on Delta,  but that measures had been put in place to address the problem, including turning back all vehicles not on essential duties.

 
Dr Nwoko emphasized that only vehicles conveying essential commodities, like food items, petroleum products and pharmaceutical/medical supplies were  allowed to enter the state after observing the Covid-19 protocol at the border which includes, hand washing, temperature checks and proper documentation of travel history, as well as contact details.

Dr. Nwoko and his team also visited the bridge head border, Asaba, Alifekede, Olije-Igbanke, Idumuje-Ugboko,  Ebu and Patani border posts.

The team was also at the Jesse-Oben road border, the Sakponba- Abraka road border and the Urhonigbe – Umutu border.