BENIN CITY – Edo State has, in the last 72 hours, recorded 54 new cases and four more deaths from coronavirus (COVID-19), with the government reiterating the need for residents to comply with prevention protocols to curb the spread of the second wave of the virus.

The State COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. Andrew Obi, disclosed this on Monday during a virtual meeting of the State COVID-19 Taskforce, chaired by the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

Obi noted that the state has also recorded 210 recoveries with 714 active cases that are being managed at various treatment and isolation centres in the state.

According to him, “Edo State has, in the last 72 hours, recorded 54 confirmed cases, four more deaths and 210 recoveries from COVID-19.”

The Incident Manager reiterated the need to compulsorily wear facemasks, observe social distancing and ensure regular washing of hands with soap under running water, among other guidelines.

“Edo is facing a more violent strain of the virus in the second wave as all indices including case positivity and death rates are higher when compared with the first wave,” he said.

While urging residents to complement the government’s efforts at containing the pandemic by strictly adhering to all safety and health guidelines, Obi further charged residents with any COVID-19 symptoms to contact the Edo Emergency Operation Centre on this toll-free number: 08003625000 for assistance.

“As the state government intensifies efforts to contain the pandemic and protect all residents, we appeal to everyone to support the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in ensuring the health and safety of all citizens by complying with the government’s guidelines against the spread of the second wave of COVID-19,” he charged.