Local: Shell (SPDC) and Total donates five PCR machines for COVID-19 test to Rivers State

The number of COVID-19 test facilities in Rivers State has been increased to five, as 20 confirmed cases have already been reported by the Department. On Friday, the state officially started researching Coronavirus in a molecular laboratory housed at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt.

The three Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines were donated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Total. Shell donated two, while Total gave one. Two PCR machines were earlier installed at the UPTH. Both the Federal Government and Shell donated one each.

Dr. Friday Aaron, Chief Medical Officer of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, said that with the three new devices, the state was now in a position to speed up monitoring and counter Coronavirus transmission.

Regional Public Health Director, SPDC-JV, Dr. Akinwumi Fajola, shared his pleasure at the establishment of a Coronavirus research laboratory in the county.