Ondo State Government has shut down operations of a private clinic in Okitipupa after seven staff at the clinic tested positive for COVID-19.
This is just as the state recorded 30 new cases within one week.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who announced this at a press briefing on Monday said the number of COVID-19 cases in the state has risen to 73.
Akeredolu said nine persons have died from COVID-19 related ailment while 880 samples collected for testing from 753 suspected cases across the 18 LGAs.
He said 33 persons have been discharged after being successfully treated.
The Ondo Governor listed the distribution spread in the local government areas to include Akure South (35), Odigbo (8), Owo (3), Ose (3), Akure North (2), Ondo West (6), Okitipupa (11), Akoko South West, Akoko South East (1), Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo (1), Ifedore (2).
Akeredolu stated that the 30 new cases recorded within last week were cases of community transmission.
Akeredolu said the spread was now in all the four corners of our state and found habitat in all the three senatorial districts.
His words, “It is shocking that those who came into contact with the earlier confirmed cases are becoming a harvest of COVID – 19 infection. As at today, one of such customers to the infected seller of used fabrics at Oja Oba market in Akure has been traced, tested and found to be positive to COVID–19.
“Government has obeyed to the letters and carried out the full implementation of the basic national protocols of prevention and control by mobilising the enormous resources available to it.
“Though a large percentage of our people have shown reckless disregard and neglect to the regulations clearly set out, I wish to assure you still that as a responsible government, we will not be tired.”
Akeredolu praised residents of Ilara-mokin after they shut down their town and began immediate line tracing of all known contacts to a man who died of COVID-19.
“They promptly organised a town meeting, locked down market activities, church, mosque and other religious and social activities until further notice. Their objective was to save their own lives and to kick out COVID-19 from their community.
“It is the right thing to do and we will continue to support them to achieve the very best in this. Unlike many of our city centres, they are not keen to substitute wealth and ignorance for the survival and preservation of their community.”