BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has expressed concern over the rising community spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the wake of the second wave of the pandemic, as the state recorded 132 new confirmed cases and two deaths from the virus in the last 72 hours.
Edo State COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. Andrew Obi, disclosed this in a virtual meeting of the State COVID-19 Taskforce, chaired by the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
He noted that 90 percent of the newly confirmed cases were infected through community transmission, urging residents to be cautious and observe all precautionary and safety protocols against the spread of the virus in order to remain safe and healthy and protect the state’s aged population.
According to him, the 132 new cases recorded in the last 72 hours were reported from a total of 728 samples collected within the time frame, adding that the state currently has 500 active cases.
The Incident Manager said 34 more health workers were infected within the 72-hour period, adding that local government areas with higher prevalence rate include Oredo, Egor, Esan West and Etsako West LGAs.
Obi, who reassured that the state government remains committed to containing the COVID-19 pandemic across all communities in the state and protecting Edo people, noted that Edo has now recorded a total of 23 deaths since December 1, 2020 when the state started tracking the second wave of the deadly virus.
He further charged residents with any COVID-19 symptoms to contact the Edo Emergency Operation Centre on this toll-free number: 08003625000 for assistance.
