Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa has confirmed the index case of Covid -19 in the state, saying it is not a death sentence.
The governor in a radio and television broadcast in Asaba, warned that coronavirus pandemic was real, adding that the stay at home order was not punitive but to check the spread of the virus.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okowa had on April 1, directed a total lockdown of the state to check the spread of Covid-19 in the state.
He advised journalists to verify their reports as the period was not for rumour mongering.
He said that the rumour making around that a member of the State House of Assembly had tested positive was not true.
He urged the people of the state to cooperate with government and ensure they comply with the stay at home order and to pray to God for to safe Nigeria and indeed the world from the pandemic.
He said that government had prepared and equipped four isolation and treatment centers for Covid -19 patients in Warri, Oghara and Asaba with several holding places across the state for suspected cases.
He noted that government had also established food banks through the support of well meaning individuals and organisations to provide palliatives for people during the lockdown.
He also said that government would distribute face masks free to residents to curb the spread of the disease.
“The lockdown order was given because it was necessary and also lawful because I have already signed into law a regulation which empowers us to take action against those who disobey the law.
“Delta state recorded it’s index yesterday April 7, 2020, and that case has already been moved into one of our four management centres.
“We have already started the process of contact tracing and I want to assure all residents that our health staff have received the best of training, they are in good spirit and are ready to go.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all residents to pray for our health staff and to support them to succeed,” Okowa said.
He added:”For the doubting Thomases, Covid -19 is real, it is not for the rich or for the poor, it could affect anybody.
“I want to urge us all to continue to observe the rules of social distancing, regular washing of the hands and the use of hand sanitisers.
“Those who fall sick and exhibit the symptoms of the disease which include fever, dry cough, and difficulty in breathing should call the following numbers; 08031230480 ; 08031230481; 08031230538 and 08031230529 for direction.(NAN)
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