Seven local government areas in Delta State have been identified as epicenter of the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic following the increasing number of cases.
The State governor made the disclosure Saturday in a statement he personally signed,. expressing worries that people still see the pandemic as a scam despite the deaths recorded.
“This brings the total number of infected persons in the State so far to 781. The local governments mostly affected are Oshimili South (181), Warri South (128), Uvwie (112), Oshimili North (79), Ughelli North (74), Ethiope West (41), and Sapele (66),’’ Okowa stated.
He explained that “the State Government allowed normal business activities to go on in essential sectors of the economy to enable citizens take care of their families. It does not in any way suggest that the danger is over.
“We made this decision with all sense of responsibility while counting on your partnership with the Government to defeat this virus. Regrettably, it does appear our people have not taken this matter as seriously as they should.
“Our isolation centres are currently overwhelmed with the number of cases and unless we proactively and collectively take drastic actions to reverse the trend, we stand the risk of becoming another epicentre for the pandemic.
“In the absence of a specific curative drug, the only way to check the transmission of the virus is for all of us to adhere strictly to the NCDC-issued guidelines and safety protocols, which are as follows: Stay at home as much as possible. Only go out if it is ESSENTIAL for you to do so, If you must go out, please ensure that you maintain about six feet distance from other persons. This is because the virus is transmitted through droplets – either due to coughing, sneezing, or talking – of an infected person.
“Wear face masks once you are outside your home. This will shield you from droplets from a carrier, Avoid crowds and large gatherings as much as possible, Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds as often as possible. If this is not readily available, make sure you have a potable alcohol-based hand sanitizer to rub your hands, Refrain from touching your face with unwashed hands, especially outside your home and Avoid hugs and handshakes.
“My dear Deltans, this is a clarion call to arms. We must brace up and take responsibility for our collective health and safety NOW.
“It is very worrisome that many of our people still walk the streets without wearing a face mask or even observing physical/social distancing.’’
The governor ordered that henceforth, banks, supermarkets, malls, stores, salons, and motorists MUST admit limited persons per time and strictly enforce the physical/social distancing rule.
“Residents in the most affected local governments – Oshimili South, Warri South, Uvwie, Oshimili North, Ughelli North, Ethiope West, and Sapele – are particularly advised to be on red alert.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), on Sunday at about 12:10am, has announced 47 new cases in the state.
