By Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia
Six graduates taking part in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abia State have reportedly tested positive for Coronavirus.
This was disclosed by the State Information Commissioner, John Okiyi-Kalu on Tuesday in a press statement while reacting to a social media report on the mandatory testing of Corps members posted to the state by the COVID-19 team before they were allowed entry into the orientation camp in Bende LGA.
Okiyi-Kalu said that the discovery was made by the state’s surveillance team on COVID-19.
According to the commissioner, the State government is supporting the NYSC medical team with the state’s medical team; epidemiology, Surveillance and rapid response personnel.
Okiyi-Kalu said that the six persons have been treated and discharged in line with the COVID-19 guidelines.
He reaffirmed the position of the state government on compulsory testing and carrying surveillance (on suspected cases) during and after the camping period.
The statement read “Our attention has been drawn to social media publications regarding the ongoing compulsory testing for COVID-19 of all potential National Youth Service Corps members in the state prior to camping.
“We wish to state that the State Government is fully supporting the Corps with our epidemiology, surveillance and rapid response teams.
“So far, we have recorded only six positive cases of the disease among those tested and they have been managed and/or discharged as applicable.
“Testing and surveillance processes continue throughout the camping period and beyond.”
