The Edo State Government has revved up the ongoing fumigation and decontamination of homes and offices of the 119 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state, as part of measures by the government to prevent further spread of the virus.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, reassured that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration remains resolute and committed to containing the pandemic across all communities in Edo.
Okundia noted that the decontamination exercise is currently ongoing in the homes and offices of the 119 confirmed cases, which have been recorded in Oredo (75), Esan West (4), Egor (12), Ovia North East (7), Ikpoba-Okha (13), Uhunmwode (2), Etsako Central (1), Esan South East (1), Akoko-Edo (1), Esan Central (1),Ovia South West (1), and Owan East (1), local government councils.
The commissioner noted that while the state has recorded six deaths, 35 of the confirmed cases have tested negative twice for the virus and have been discharged, while others are being managed at various isolation centres in the state and are responding well to treatment.
Okundia, however, urged Edo residents to make themselves available for screening, which is currently ongoing in various centres across the state, adding that the screening exercise is part of the government’s efforts at curtailing the spread of the virus.
He, however, warned residents against submission of wrong information, including names, addresses and phone contacts, during the ongoing massive screening and testing exercise across the state.
The commissioner added, “As government intensifies efforts at curtailing the spread of this infectious disease in Edo State, we urge all citizens to abide strictly with government directives on social distancing, use of facemask in the public, regular handwashing with soap and running water or using alcohol-based sanitisers, cough etiquette and compliance with the stay-at-home order.
“We appeal to everyone with symptoms of the disease to come for screening, testing and treatment as prompt detection and treatment increases the chances of survival. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please call these toll-free lines that have been activated by Edo State Government for assistance: 08001235111 or 08002200110.”
