As part of intensified measures to curtail the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Edo State, the government intensified screening of residents across the state, testing over 2,824 people, contact tracing 1,398 others and visiting over 663 rural and urban communities for Active Case Search (ACS) activities.
Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, reiterated that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led state government has continued to ramp up measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and protect Edo people.
He said Edo has recorded 351 confirmed cases, 2,741 suspected cases, 17 deaths and exited 1,412 suspected cases, including 1,066 line-listed contacts and 346 persons of interest (POI) who have completed the compulsory 14-day follow-up and tested negative.
The commissioner noted that the state is making steady progress in the management of the pandemic, adding that Edo has recorded successes in surveillance activities, including contact tracing, Persons of Interest (POI) tracking and active case search in the state’s 18 local government councils.
Okundia, however, reiterated the need for citizens to present or report themselves through the Edo State COVID-19 toll free response lines following any recent travel into the country, travel from high incident states or contact with confirmed cases.
Okundia said, “The Edo State Government has continued to step up measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic, as we are committed to protecting our people.
“We, however, urge all residents to make themselves available for the ongoing massive screening and testing exercise across the state, as it will complement government’s efforts at curtailing the spread of the virus.”
“Also, we charge you to comply with all government directives. Stay at home and observe social distancing guidelines and other precautionary measures against the spread of the infectious disease, including regular hand washing with soap under running water and the use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
“Two new toll-free lines for COVID-19 response have been introduced by Edo State Government to strengthen the initial lines from the State Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO) distributed at the onset of the outbreak. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please call 08001235111 or 08002200110 for assistance,” the commissioner added.
