The Rivers State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Oliver Wolugbom has called on Rivers people not to panic over the outbreak of Ebola virus in the state as early infection does not mean automatic death sentence.
Similarly, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Rivers State has expressed shock over the non-commencement of Ebola screening at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after monitoring this month’s environmental sanitation exercise at the weekend in Port Harcourt, Mr. Wollugbom said that the Rivers State Government was doing everything possible to contain the spread of the disease in the state.
He said that what is expected of the people is to observe all precautionary measures by avoiding hand shakes bodily contract as well as keep their environments clean.
The NOA Director also said that the agency has already directed its officers in the local government areas to embark on village to village campaign in the need for a clean environment in their different localities.
At the Churchill Street garri market, a trader , Mr. Joseph I. Williams told newsmen that the out break of the disease in the state has kept the traders on their toes, stressing that hand washing and cleanliness is now a regular feature at the market.
According to him, with the availability of overhead tank at the market, traders now wash hands every minute of the day.
Other traders who also spoke called on the government to make available the hand sanitizer as the product has become scarce.
Meanwhile, a member of the National Assembly, Hon Ogbonna Nwuke, on Friday urged Rivers people to cooperate with government in checking the spread of Ebola virus in the state.
Nwuke, (APC- Etche/Omuma), told newsmen in Port Harcourt that there was no need to play politics with the outbreak of the Ebola virus in the state.
‘’This is not the time to play politics with such a serious health issue like Ebola. The time calls for cooperation by all Rivers people to join in checking the spread of the virus.
‘’We need to cooperate with experts already in the state to stop further spread of the virus and stop blaming anybody, group or government for the outbreak,’’ he said.
Nwuke commended the state government for its quick intervention following the death of a Port Harcourt-based medical practitioner, Dr Iyke Enemuo, who died of Ebola disease on August 22.
“Government is already partnering with experts from the WHO, USA,UK and a team from the Federal Ministry of Health to check the  spread of Ebola virus.
‘’I am also aware that the Rivers State Government is also working with private health workers to contain the disease and it is hoped that the people should play their part by reporting any case or symptoms to the government,’’ he said.
The lawmaker also urged the people to obey simple hygiene rules prescribed by health authorities in the country by washing their hands and keeping their environments clean.
‘’ Together, we can stop the spread of the Ebola virus. There is no need to panic. We need to be conscious of our health at all times,’’ he said.