The Edo State Government has urged residents to complement its efforts at protecting the people against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by complying with all set guidelines to contain the infectious disease as death toll rises to 72.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, expressed worry over the alarming rate of community spread of the virus and the consequent rise in number of deaths.
Okundia said the state recorded 47 new cases and four deaths, while 25 more patients who have tested negative for the virus and cleared from the stateโs isolation facilities have been reunited with the society.
He added: โThe confirmed cases (9) were tested at the Irrua Specialist Hospital (ISTH) laboratory and 38 at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital laboratory (38). We have now recorded a total of 2064 confirmed cases, 9052 suspected cases, 72 deaths and 1325 discharged persons.
โThe rising number of confirmed cases shows the alarming rate of the community spread of the virus, which calls for caution and the cooperation of all residents to stay safe and healthy and protect our elderly population who are most vulnerable to the virus.โ
Okundia continued: โWe urge residents to support the governmentโs efforts at containing the pandemic by complying with all set guidelines. Stay at home and observe all precautionary measures against the spread of the infectious disease, including regular handwashing with soap under running water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Cover your mouth and nose properly when sneezing and/or coughing.โ
The commissioner further urged citizens to present or report themselves through the Edo State COVID-19 toll free response lines, 08001235111 or 08002200110, following any recent travel into the country, travel from high incident states or contact with confirmed cases.
