More persons contract COVID-19 as Bayelsa records 155 cases, nine deaths

•Delta SSG, commissioner test positive for virus
The preventive measures notwithstanding, Bayelsa State has witnessed spike in number of COVID-19 patients.

With 27 new confirmed cases recorded on Saturday, 17 on Friday, and 25 on Wednesday, the tally has increased to 155 statewide.

While a patient was discharged at the weekend from the treatment centre at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri in line with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) protocol, six others however died from complications, bringing the total number of deaths to nine.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Information and Orientation, Freston Akpor, stated that 90 cases were currently spread across the treatment facilities.

Calling on citizens to take responsibility for their lives by adhering strictly to public health advisories, Akpor reminded all that the virus was real and deadly.

Meanwhile, there was apprehension in Asaba at the weekend, as the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration announced that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chiedu Ebie, and the Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, had tested positive for the disease.

But both men were said to be stable and responding to treatment at an undisclosed isolation centre.

In a statement in Asaba, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Olisa Ifeajika, said the two officials showed mild symptoms of the bug thus subjecting themselves to tests.

The CPS urged residents to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols, as anyone, irrespective of status, could contract the disease.

His words: “I advise all Delta people to, as a matter of top priority, always obey the COVID-19 protocols, which have been in the public domain, so as to curb further spread of the pandemic.

“The fresh cases in Delta State have further proved that COVID-19 is not a scam. It is real, and people should take the issues of the virus and personal hygiene seriously.”

He reassured that the scourge was not a death sentence, counselling that when people begin to feel unwell, they should immediately reach out to approved government hospitals for relevant tests.

“We can save ourselves and others from the virus if we all wear face masks, wash hands regularly under running water, use alcohol-based sanitisers and keep physical distancing.

“All our hospitals and isolation centres are on a 24-hour alert to receive cases of coronavirus or other health challenges,” he added.