BENIN CITY – Edo State has commenced mass distribution of 81, 080 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine received from the Federal Government, following the state and local government flag-off for the roll out of the vaccine in the state.

Edo on Monday, March 15, 2021 flagged off the rollout of the vaccine, with Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu, among others, receiving their first jab, which was followed by the local government flag off on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

The State COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. Andrew Obi, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, reassured that the government will continue to prioritise the health of citizens and ensure that they are protected against the virus.

Obi said the vaccine is being administered in phases with front line workers being the first, adding, “the second, third and fourth phases include the elderly, those between 18-49 years with co-morbidities and the rest of the eligible population between the ages of 18 -49 years respectively.”

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The Incident Manager, who was vaccinated alongside other frontline health workers on Thursday, March 18, charged residents to go to their various vaccination points in their local government areas to get vaccinated against the virus.

He disclosed that “Edo State, in the last 24 hours, recorded 17 new cases, 25 recoveries and no death, with 161 active cases that are being managed at various treatment and isolation centres within the state.”

While reiterating the need for residents to comply with preventive protocols against the spread of the virus, Obi charged residents with COVID-19 symptoms to contact the Edo Emergency Operation Centre on this toll-free number: 08003625000 for assistance.