By Anietie Ekong
Many people woke up to see a frightening piece of news in the social media about “unofficial report of two suspected cases” of Corona Virus in Akwa Ibom.
It is good that this has turned out to be fake news as it has been debunked by the Akwa Ibom State Epidemiologist, Dr Aniekeme Uwah. Many people have heaved a sigh of relief.
However at the rate some States are recording new cases, we must not lose guard.
We know that Akwa Ibom State has a sizeable population of Chinese engaged in construction, furniture and hospitality industries. While they may not have travelled to their Corona Virus-ravaged country lately, we cannot totally rule out their interactions with their kits and kins in other States. And by extension our people.
Penultimate week in Uyo, I saw an Akwa Ibom lady (I overheard her speaking on phone) walk hand in hand with a Chinese man into a hotel and my heart sank. I don’t mean to stereotype all Chinese, but necessary precaution must be taken at this time.
Penultimate week, there was near pandemonium at the Victor Attah International Airport when two mask wearing Chinese walked around the departure hall of the airport.
Remarkably, passengers were not screened, not even the basic infrared temperature test nor hand sanitizers were made available to travellers. The poor airport staff frisked people with their bare hands.
Everybody just kept a safe distance from the Chinese. I heaved a sigh of relief when I learnt they were not on the same flight with me. They were going to Lagos while I travelled to Abuja.
Remarkably, most States have responded by shutting down schools and places of worship and advising against social events with a large population. I think we should follow suit and not wait to record the first case.
God will continue to protect us.