With the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) related deaths in Edo State climbing to 31, the government has reiterated the need for residents to comply with all health and safety precautions to check the spread of the virus in order to protect the elderly in the state.
The Edo State Commissioner, Dr. Patrick Okundia, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, noted that with the community spread of the virus and the consequent rise in deaths, there is an urgent need for all citizens to observe precautionary and protective measures including wearing face masks, regular hand washing and practicing physical distancing in order to preserve the lives of the state’s aged population.
Okundia, however, reassured that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration will continue to rev up strategies and intensify efforts aimed at containing the pandemic and protecting the lives of Edo people.
He said the state recorded 31 new confirmed cases, with 10 at the Irrua Specialist Hospital and 21 at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, adding that two patients have been discharged, with four COVID-19-related deaths.
The commissioner explained that the state has recorded a total of 651 confirmed cases, 4511 suspected cases, 152 discharged patients and 31 COVID-19 related deaths.
Okundia added, “As government steps up efforts to contain the spread of the virus across all communities in Edo, we urge residents to be cautious and observe all safety and precautionary measures to flatten the curve of the infectious disease.
“More so, data has clearly shown that elderly persons are most affected by the virus, accounting for over 50 percent of COVID-19 related deaths. This is indeed worrisome and calls for drastic actions to protect our aged population, especially those aged 60 years and above which make up five percent of our population.
