Oyo confirms first case of deadly COVID-19 variant

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Oyo State.

Taiwo Adisa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

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The Delta variant of COVID-19, which is highly contagious, was first identified in India.

In his statement, Adisa asked all inbound travellers to take the mandatory seven day isolation.

“This strain has been associated with high transmission, increase severity of infection and outcomes,” the statement read.

“As such, this is to warn that the virus is still very much within the society.

“The ‘Own Your Action’ (OYA) initiative of the State Government should be seriously considered by adhering to the guidelines of wearing nose and mouth masks in public gatherings, washing of hands with soap and water and use of hand sanitisers, among others.

“The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force hereby appeals to the good people of Oyo State to comply with these and other advisories as they apply to individuals and organisations.

“It would be appreciated if all in-bound travelers from overseas maintain the mandatory seven-day isolation and subsequent testing before mingling with the populace.

“In addition, residents are enjoined to seek medical care and avail the opportunity of free testing whenever there’s any feeling of unwellness.

“Vigilance on the parts of both the Government and the people will surely go a long way in stemming the transmission of this disease within the State.”

Adisa’s statement was issued after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos announced that the state had slipped into the third wave of the deadly virus.