COVID-19: Obaseki Commends Health Workers’ Resilience, Sacrifice As Edo Discharges 45 More Patients

…Govt urges social distancing, self-reporting to safeguard the aged

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed the discharge of 45 more coronavirus (COVID-19) patients who have recovered and cleared from its isolation facilities, as confirmed cases of the virus rise to 797.

In a statement, the governor applauded health workers on the frontlines of efforts to manage the spread of the virus in the state, noting that their commitment, resilience and sacrifices are commendable.

Governor Obaseki however urged residents to comply with all guidelines against the spread of the infectious disease so as to protect the state’s aged population who are the most vulnerable to the virus.

Obaseki said, “We have discharged 45 more COVID-19 patients from the state’s isolation centres. We appreciate our hardworking and diligent frontline workers who have shown uncommon resolve in this trying time. Please stay safe and protect the elderly who are vulnerable to the virus.”

Meanwhile, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, reassured that the state government has revved up efforts to contain the virus across all communities in Edo, noting that the remaining 524 active cases are being managed at various isolation facilities in the state and are responding well to treatment.

The commissioner further warned residents against the submission of wrong information, including names, addresses and phone contacts, by residents during sample collection for testing, adding that it was threatening the government’s efforts to contain the pandemic and ensure the health and wellbeing of Edo people.

Okundia said there was no need for people to resist testing for COVID-19 or give fake information during the exercise as early detection and treatment increases one’s chances of survival.

He noted that to curtail the spread of the virus and protect the state’s aged population, all citizens must observe all COVID-19 preventive measures including self-isolation, social distancing and use of hand sanitizers, among others.

The commissioner reiterated, “While we intensify efforts to protect Edo people from this deadly disease, the Edo State Government urges all citizens to stay at home and observe all precautionary measures against the spread of the infectious disease, including regular handwashing with soap under running water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Cover your mouth and nose properly when sneezing and/or coughing.”