An Enugu- based company, Golden Royal, has donated a 600-bed facility to the African Development Institute of Research Methodology in Enugu for use in treating coronavirus patients.

The Director of the Institute, Prof Ike Oluka made this known on Thursday, during the final round of training organized by the institute for health personnel and other volunteers who would work as an emergency response team.

Oluka in a statement explained that the facility which is fully air-conditioned would give comfort to patients, adding that the government alone cannot fight the scourge of COVID-19.

“We decided to establish this emergency response team in other to help both the state and the federal government fight the virus and ensure that it does not escalate,” he said.

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Oluka stated that members of the response team numbering 150 had been successfully trained and had been sent out to create awareness and sensitize the public on what to do to prevent the spread of the virus.

He said, “Part of what we are doing is going around different communities and sensitising the people on how best to stay safe at this critical time. We have also drawn together doctors and nurses from private hospitals across the state who would also help us in talking to people within this period.”

While acknowledging the support of other firms to the campaign against the pandemic, the ADIRM director called on the general public to make donations to help fight the virus.

Oluka said the research institute, whose membership includes notable academicians and practising health professionals, was determined to ensure that the COVID-19 outbreak was effectively tackled in the country.