COVID-19: Ortom goes into isolation again

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has gone into isolation again over suspicious contact with persons who tested positive for COVID-19.

This would be the second time the governor would be going into isolation since the outbreak of coronavirus in the state.

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Recall that he first self-isolated when his wife, Eunice tested positive for the disease on July 3, last year.

Ortom has already spent 10 days in his latest isolation after suspecting that he had contact with some confirmed cases.

State Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu made the disclosure on Sunday during an interview with journalists shortly after the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Interdenominational service held at the ECWA Church, along Barracks road in Makurdi.

Abounu said that the governor decided to go into isolation following the medical report indicating that a certain Permanent Secretary (whose name he refused to disclose) and his family tested positive for COVID-19.

The deputy governor who doubles as Chairman of the State’s Action Committee Against COVID-19, said that his principal will remain in isolation for the required number of days until a test shows he is negative.

“As I speak with you, the Governor has been in isolation for about nine days (10 days by Monday) and has shown no symptoms or signs of the virus. So, I’m happy to inform you that by tomorrow (Monday), we should be able to certify him free and he will resume work,” Abounu said.

The deputy governor also lamented the rate the virus has killed several personalities in the state, observing that in the last five days, Benue lost four prominent persons including a serving local government chairman.

“I want to reiterate that the virus is real and it is the biggest affront facing us. The State has an infection rate of over 489 persons. We are still doing relatively well compared to other states of the Federation. The only tactics to fight the virus is by keeping to Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) protocols,” he added.

Abounu however hailed the commitment of security agencies, especially the armed forces to the relative peace in the state and urged them not to relent in ensuring the safety of the Benue people.