With the rise in the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Edo, the state government has revved up efforts to curb the spread of the infectious disease, testing over 5437 people and decontaminating the homes and offices in about 779 confirmed cases in the state.
Health Commissioner Patrick Okundia, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, noted that the state government took serious action to contain the pandemic, visited more than 900 rural and urban communities for Active Case Search (ACS) activities, and contacted 2310 others who had different levels of contact with confirmed cases.
He said Edo has recorded 31 new cases of COVID-19, adding that while the state has so far recorded a total of 4895 suspected cases of COVID-19 in 17 Local government councils, the 779 confirmed cases were recorded in 15 LGAs, including Oredo , Esan West, Egor , Ovia North East, Ikpoba-Okha, Uhunmwode, Etsako Central, Esan South East, Akoko-Edo, Esan Central,Ovia South West, Owan East, Esan North East, Etsako West and Etsako East LGAs.
Mr Okundia, who urged residents to complement the state government ‘s efforts at containing the pandemic by turning out for the ongoing massive screening and testing exercise across the state, warned residents against giving out wrong addresses and phone numbers during testing and screening.
He decried that 17 confirmed cases are still to be moved for treatment due to incorrect addresses / phone numbers or lack of cooperation with teams of surveillance/case management.
The commissioner also added, “The Edo State Government urges all citizens to comply with all guidelines aimed at ensuring the health and safety of all. Stay at home and observe social distancing and other precautionary measures against the spread of the disease, including regular handwashing with soap under running water, and use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Cover your mouth and nose properly when sneezing and/or coughing. Also do well to report anyone with oversea travel history.”
