Osun records first case of COVID-19, shuts markets

The Osun State Government on Wednesday announced that the state has recorded its first case of COVID-19 disease, also known as Coronavirus.

Governor Gboyega Oyetola disclosed this is a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Funke Egbemode in Osogbo.

According to the governor, the confirmed case is a returnee from the United Kingdom, adding that he is already undergoing treatment.

The Governor also disclosed that because he spent the most part of last week in Abuja, he and his wife have been subjected to the Coronavirus test and the tests results returned negative.

As part of measures to curb the spread of the virus, Oyetola said he has ordered the closure of all major markets in the state beginning from Friday, the 27th of March until further notice, while everyone entering the state would be subjected to thorough screening at the state’s boundaries.

The statement read: “My dear people of The State of Osun, recall that I addressed you about two days ago concerning the measures we had taken to wage the war against Coronavirus.

“Sadly, I want to say that we have the first confirmed case of the novel Coronavirus in the State. It was confirmed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.

“The case is a returnee from the United Kingdom and is currently receiving treatment.

“The sample was tested at NCDC accredited Testing Centre, which is the African Centre of Excellence in Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Ede, Osun and the result returned positive on Tuesday night.

“However, this confirmed case is not the first one we will be subjecting to investigation. But so far all the others have tested negative.

“The Government had contacted the family of the patient and has since commenced contact tracing to identify people who might have been in contact with the confirmed case.

“Considering the fact that I was in Abuja for the better part of last week, as a way of leading by example, I have also subjected myself to test. My wife, because of her recent travel history also subjected herself to test. Both came back negative.

“To this end, I want to passionately encourage all returnees from UK, US, Europe, the West African Coast and indeed other high risk countries to self-isolate and submit themselves to test, so as to assist the government in containing the spread of the virus. The Emergency number to call is 293. Other numbers are: 08035025692, 08033908772 and 08056456250.

“To further contain the spread, the following measures take immediate effect:

“One, a Taskforce has been set up to man all the state land borders and conduct preliminary screening.

“Two, all major markets will be shut down with effect from Friday, March 27. However, traders are allowed to sell food items in front of their houses. Pharmacies are also exempted from this ban.

“Three, the ban on public gatherings, church services, Mosques, social events and political meetings among others remain in force.

“Fellow citizens and residents of our dear State, do not to panic, the case, is under control.

“I want to urge you all to continue to observe necessary precautionary measures by regularly washing your hands with water and soap and also maintain the prescribed social distance.

“As part of our efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the State, we have set up holding centres and the one in Asubiaro Specialist Hospital, Osogbo, is up and running, to isolate and treat suspected and reported cases of the virus in the State.”