With the rise in number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Edo State, the government has reiterated the need for citizens to present or report themselves through the Edo State COVID-19 toll free response lines following any recent travel into the country, travel from high incident states or contacts with confirmed cases.
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, who made the appeal while speaking to journalists in Benin City, noted that compliance to social distancing, self-isolation, self-reporting and other guidelines against the spread of the deadly virus will complement the state government’s efforts at containing the pandemic.
Okundia said Edo has so far recorded 108 confirmed cases, 1058 suspected cases, 5 deaths and 35 recoveries, noting that the state’s improved efforts at screening and testing were responsible for the rising number of confirmed cases.
The commissioner, while calling on all residents to turn out for the screening and testing exercise currently ongoing in the state, said, “The Edo State Government encourages everyone with symptoms of the disease or who have had any form of contact with confirmed cases to come out for screening, testing and treatment as early detection is key to containing the virus.
“We’re once more calling on all citizens to present or report themselves through the Edo State COVID-19 toll free response lines following any recent travel into the country or from high COVID-19 incident states within Nigeria. By complying with the self-isolation, social distancing, and self-reporting guidelines, you are not only helping the government in fighting against this deadly disease but aiding in ensuring the health and wellbeing of your relatives as well as other residents.”
He continued, “The government urges you to avoid large gatherings and comply with all government directives, aimed at keeping you safe and healthy. 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 alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Cover your mouth and nose properly when sneezing and/or coughing.
“Two new toll-free lines for COVID-19 response have been introduced by Edo State Government to strengthen the initial lines from the State Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO) distributed at the onset of the outbreak. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please 08001235111 or 08002200110 for assistance”, Okundia added.
