Godwin Akor, Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has reiterated the directive of the state government for residents to maintain social distancing and adhere strictly to measures that could help curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus is still firmly in force.
The governor told journalists, on Wednesday, at the New Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House, in Makurdi, the state capital, shortly after receiving briefing from the State Action Committee on COVID-19, headed by the deputy governor, Engr. Benson Abounu.
The governor maintained that based on the increasing cases of the virus in the country, the state had to maintain the lockdown order for the good of the citizens.
He said though the decision might be harsh on the people, it remained a necessary sacrifice that all must make in order to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus.
The governor said the 23 contacts traced to the first and only index case of the virus in the state, including staff of the Grace Cottage Hospital where Mrs. Susan Okpe, was first admitted were still being isolated and monitored, pointing out that the 14 days incubation period would lapse by this weekend.
The governor also stated that the sample of the medical doctor, who attended to her at the hospital, was taken to Abuja and that the result was being awaited, while adding that the state would not leave any stone unturned to curtail the spread of the virus.
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According to the governor, fumigation of markets in Makurdi and Otukpo cities had been completed and same exercise was ongoing at Gboko.
He said churches, mosques, parks and other public places would also be fumigated and appealed to people to exercise patience within the period of the exercise.
He said this year’s Easter celebration would be done indoors.
While commending the Action Committee for a job-well-done, Governor Ortom also acknowledged the support and cooperation of security agencies and people of the state during the lockdown.
He disclosed that the situation would be reviewed when the committee meets next Monday.
Engr. Abounu had, during the briefing, stated that intensive training of medical personnel had been carried out, adding that awareness campaigns on preventive measures had also reached the hinterlands and was still being carried out.
