Obaseki on COVID-19: We are concerned about the death rate

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, has expressed concern over the deaths recorded through COVID-19.

A total of 82 persons have died from COVID-19 complications in Edo.

Speaking with journalists in Benin, the state capital, the governor urged the people to support government’s efforts at containing the pandemic.

He appealed to them to comply with the guidelines against the spread of the virus, including observing physical distancing, regular hand washing and compulsory use of face masks.

He called for caution to protect the state’s aged population, who are most vulnerable to the virus

“We have one of the highest death rates from COVID-19 in Nigeria. 75 per cent of those who have died from COVID-19 are our older citizens,” he said.

“This mortality rate is of serious concern to the state government, because many of these deaths could have been prevented if citizens adhered to COVID-19 prevention regulations. I am therefore urging everyone to observe the guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus such as regular hand washing under running water and use of alcohol-based sanitiser; and avoiding gatherings with a large number of persons.

“Political activities leading to the governorship election on September 19 have commenced. I appeal to everyone to exercise caution and observe the regulatory guidelines for prevention of COVID-19 during electioneering campaigns.”

Patrick Okundia, commissioner for health, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to contain the pandemic across all communities in the state and protect the people.

Okundia also expressed worry over the alarming spate of community spread in the state.

“Edo has now recorded a total of 2, 292 confirmed cases, 10, 555 suspected cases and 82 deaths, while 1,800 persons have been discharged from various isolation centres in the state,” he said.

“Two toll-free lines for COVID-19 response have been introduced by the Edo State Government to strengthen the initial lines from the State Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO) distributed at the onset of the outbreak. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please call 08001235111 or 08002200110 for assistance.”