By Adekola Afolabi

Determined to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Ondo state, the state government has disclosed that no fewer than 252 contacts were being followed and line-traced.

This step was said to be inevitable as the state had recorded 20 positive cases of COVID-19, since the index case was reported over a month ago.

The government also confirmed that it has tested 378 persons for COVID-19 so far, just as it appealed to all residents of the state to be vigilant and dedicate themselves to community care, by reporting all suspicions and come together to stop the spread of the deadly virus in the Sunshine state.

Speaking during the weekly press briefing on the latest development on COVID-19 in state, at the Government House Grounds in Akure, the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, revealed that of all the 20 positive cases so far confirmed, 13 were treated and discharged, one dead and six in bed, undergoing treatment at the state Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), Akure.

Akeredolu who noted that COVID-19 could be treated if detected and reported early, also called on the residents to promptly report any suspected case for medical review and appropriate treatment.

He disclosed that the state might soon have its own cure for the COVID-19 pandemic as government had been encouraging traditional medicine practitioners in the state to find a cure for the dreaded virus.

Akeredolu, who noted that there have been various suggestions and unauthorised recommendation of drugs and therapies for COVID-19, however, said whatever the cure the state comes up with will still go through clinical authentication and approval.

He warned the people of the state against embarking on any harmful and indiscriminate way of treating the virus so as not to jeopardise their health through self medication, saying that all the herbal combinations and orthodox medicine, mostly being promoted and displayed on the social media and elsewhere, have not yet been authenticated and approved for clinical use.

The Governor explained that the latest confirmed COVID-19 case lives in Oke-Aro area of the state capital, and has never travelled outside the state in recent times, thus indicating that there is community transmission.

According to him, “The implication is that having been infected, she might also have come in contact with others thereby enlarging the circle. This is what community transmission means. It is dangerous, deadly and undesirable. We must therefore all collaborate to stop the threat.

“The implication of the current trend is that the curve is not flattening yet and there is still much to be done. For us as a Government, we will continue to demonstrate the will and zeal to do all it takes to save our people.

While thanking the people for their substantial compliance with the regulations, the governor also appreciated the security agencies for their sense of focus, professionalism and discretion.

Governor Akeredolu particularly applauded all health workers for their competence and readiness to save lives which is evident in the number of treated and discharged COVID-19 patients so far.

He revealed that government would be meeting with religious leaders and other stakeholders within the state to explore ways of returning religious worship to the society, just as he stressed that all containment regulations earlier pronounced by government such as dusk to dawn curfew, border and entry points closure, physical and social distancing, restrictions on business and market activities, compulsory use of face masks, guided burial and interment protocols as well as all personal hygiene practices are still in force.