Health official in Abyei Administrative Area has urged public to follow health guidelines after a recent uptick in the number of Covid-19 cases.
Earlier this week, another person tested positive for the virus, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases in Abyei to 57 including 3 deaths.
The Acting Head of Health Administration in Abyei, Nyanwut Mayen Kuol called on the people to observe social distancing and wash their hands to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
A Covid-19 patient in Abyei who is not named due to fear of stigma, advised people to immediately seek medical attention when they experience flue-like symptoms and signs.
“Corona is really there. Now I have isolated myself at home. It is up to every person to follow all the safety ways….. do not ignore. When I felt the symptoms and lost the sense to smell, I went to the doctor. Thank God, I am in a good condition,” he said.
It is observed that health guidelines are inconsistently being followed in the area, as masks are rarely worn even in public. Grouping around tea places are also common.
The virus is spread through droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
Preventing it requires frequent hand washing with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, keeping at least 2 meter distance away from others, wearing face masks and use of sanitizers and disinfectants.
Globally, as of Wednesday this week, there had been 90,335,008 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 1,954,336 deaths-out of which South Sudan has 3,670 and 63 deaths, reported to World Health Organization.