Bayelsa begins distribution of PPE, hand sanitizers

The distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitizers which are seen as key in the halting the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has begun in Bayelsa State. Both public hospitals and a select number of private clinics are expected to benefit from the distribution of PPE while hand sanitizers will cover all government ministries and parastatals.

A source at the state Ministry of Health told BusinessDay that distribution of the materials by the Task Force on Ebola began last week Friday. Earlier last week, the task force organised a one-day training/sensitisation workshop for both medical personnel and health workers on EVD.

As part of the workshop, participants were taught on the use of PPE, hand sanitizers and how to handle any infected persons. Meanwhile, some public offices and business concerns in the state capital, Yenagoa including commercial banks have introduced hand washing for their customers and staff. At the Yenagoa Branch of Access Bank, a hand washing stand is placed at the entrance to the banking hall and incoming customers are required to wash their hands before entry.

Inside the banking hall, all staff of the bank including tellers and security personnel wore hand gloves while others used hand sanitizers. At the office of the Bayelsa State Scholarship Board (BSSB), the chairman had earlier insisted on hand washing and use of hand sanitizers by all staff and directed that door handles be cleaned with disinfectants.

There is yet to be any suspected or reported case of the deadly contagious disease in the state.