Coronavirus: Obaseki intensifies search - The Nation Nigeria

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From Bisi Olaniyi, Southsouth Bureau Chief 

The Godwin Obaseki’s administration has ramped up efforts at containing the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Edo State by visiting over 566 rural and urban communities for Active Case Search (ACS) activities.

In view of the visits, 1,578 residents were tested, while 1,009 others were contact traced, over various degrees of contact with confirmed cases.

Edo Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, who disclosed these to journalists on Tuesday in Benin, stated that while 1,183 specimens collected tested negative, 1,096 persons, comprising 756 line-listed contacts and 340 Persons of Interest (POIs) had been exited, after completing the compulsory 14-day follow up.

He revealed that Edo had so far discharged 58 patients who tested negative to the deadly coronavirus, recorded seven COVID-related deaths and 191 confirmed cases spread across 14 local government areas of the state, including Oredo, Esan West, Egor, Ovia Northeast, Ikpoba-Okha, Uhunmwode, Etsako Central, Esan Southeast, Akoko-Edo, Esan Central, Ovia Southwest, Owan East, Esan Northeast and Etsako West.

Read Also: COVID-19: Edo tests 1,367 residents

Okundia urged Edo residents to complement the state government’s efforts at curtailing the spread of the virus, while reiterating the need for citizens to present or report themselves through the state’s COVID-19 toll-free lines.

The health commissioner expressed worry that the wrong addresses and phone numbers from residents during sample collection were making it difficult for contact tracers to track down confirmed cases after laboratory results were released, adding that the government was working with the state’s laboratory pillar to re-emphasise the importance of getting descriptive addresses and correct phone numbers.

He disclosed that 17 confirmed cases were yet to be moved for treatment, due to wrong addresses and phone numbers or lack of cooperation with surveillance/case management team.

Okundia said: “We urge you to comply with all government directives, aimed at ensuring the health and safety of all residents. 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 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.”