COVID – 19 fears heightens as more Government Officials, family test positive, dies
As the Nigerian Government continue efforts at curbing spread of the dreaded global pandemic of COVID – 19, the fear of possibly being a victim is increasingly growing among citizens particularly members of the elite class, our Delta State Correspondent, Dave Okpogadie report.
Inspite of Government efforts, Nigerians are becoming more panic striken as the virus scourge lately hits revered quaters, and even leaves on its trail, fatalities.
It started with the death of President Muhammadu Buhari Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari earlier and since has not shown signs of abating soon.
Among top Government officials who recently have become victim is the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, wife and daughter.
Okowa break the news on his verified Twitter handle.
“My wife and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are well and continuing with our isolation/medication. We thank you all for your continued prayers for us and our daughter.”
The entire family was forced to go into 14-day self-isolation after the daughter was reported to had earlier tested positive for the virus.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olisa Ifeajika, in a statement confirmed the news adding that the first family in the State have begun necessary treatment and further isolation.
Also infested, is Secretary to the State Government, Chiedu Ebie and Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, Ifeajika disclosed.
Both officials showed mild symptoms of the virus and subjected themselves to the test, he said.
They consequently had been moved to an isolation centre and were in stable condition, responding well to treatment, Ifeajika assured.
Not spared, is the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu and currently in self-isolation after testing positive for the virus earlier.
Fatalities:
Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Nasiru Ajanah, and the Health Commissioner, Ondo State, Wahab Adegbenro are the latest high profile fatalities by the ravaging virus as it seemingly defies all responses deployed.
Ajanah reportedly died on Sunday morning, 28 June, 2020 at the COVID-19 Isolation Centre in Gwagwalada, Abuja, just as Adegbenro breathed his last on Thursday, 2 July, 2020 at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
Interestingly, Adegbenro allegedly as a medical doctor was taking drugs at his own comfort yet, could not make.
While Ajanah was said to have had undisclosed underlying health challenge which was worsened by the dreaded Covid – 19 complications.
In obvious panic, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has raised the alarm about the inherent danger the fast spreading virus poses.
As it accused younger Nigerians of being spread agent of the virus infesting older citizens who are more vulnerable due to weakened immune system.
In the prevailing situation, Okowa’s spokesman, Ifeajika has again called on residents of Delta State to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols as anyone, irrespective of status, could contract the virus.
“Let me advise all Deltans to, as a matter of top priority, always obey the COVID-19 protocols, …so as to curb further spread of the pandemic.
“The fresh cases in our hands in Delta further testifies to the fact that COVID-19 is not a scam. It is real and people should take the issues of the virus and personal hygiene seriously.
He however assured that “COVID-19 is not a death sentence” while appealing; “so, when you begin to feel unwell, reach out to approved government hospitals for appropriate tests to be carried out.
“We can save ourselves and others from this virus if we obey all the protocols of wearing face masks, regular washing of hands in running water, use of alcohol-based sanitisers and maintaining physical-distancing while congregating in any form.
“All our hospitals and isolation centres across the State are on 24 hours alert to receive any case(s) of the Coronavirus or other health challenges,” he stated.
Reassuring, Okowa asserted that his administration would not rest in its efforts at combating the virus in the State
