Ekiti confirms third positive COVID-19 case

• Fayemi Blames It On Security Operatives’ Infidelity
• Says Lockdown Could Be Extended

Ekiti State Government, yesterday, confirmed its third COVID-19 positive case. According to the government, the new case was a pregnant 29-year-old female Community Health Worker with Lagos State, who came into Ekiti State in spite of the lockdown.

Briefing newsmen in Ado Ekiti, the Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said Ekiti State COVID-19 Taskforce had already begun contact tracing of the new case.

“As at this morning, we have over 30 primary contacts on our list,” he said. Fayemi said the new patient presented herself at a State Comprehensive Primary Healthcare facility, while in labour on Monday, April 13, 2020.

“After a prolonged labour, with fatal distress, she was referred to a teaching hospital, but decided to go to a private hospital instead. 

“A caesarean section was performed on the patient and the baby was delivered safely. However, she suffered a cardiac arrest and was referred to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, where she is currently unconscious. The suspicion of COVID-19 infection and subsequent testing was at the Federal Tertiary institution.

“The governor blamed infidelity of people and security personnel, who helped the patient to gain access to the state, even during a boundary shut down, and putting Ekiti residents under the possibility of community infection.  He said due to this new case, government might further extend the lockdown, until all possible direct and indirect contacts of the woman, have been traced and placed in self-isolation for 14 days.

Fayemi said the private clinic, which served as first medical contact, has been sealed off and medical personnel, who interacted with the case have been contacted and put in self-isolation. 

Fayemi said: “I, therefore, implore you to strictly comply with guidelines issued and also do your bit to support the government and the most vulnerable in your communities.

“I commend our public health workforce, health care workers, security agencies and other essential staff on the frontline of the response for their dedication and commitment.”