Oyo suspected carrier tested negative – Makinde

• Declares Emergency, Closes Schools

Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has declared that the result of the suspected Coronavirus victim whose blood sample was sent to the National Reference Centre for Southwest, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, was negative. 

Makinde, who addressed journalists, after the inaugural meeting of the state’s COVID-19 Task Force, said schools in the state would remain closed till after Easter.

The governor stated that there was still no confirmed case of Coronavirus in the state, adding that the government would do everything within its powers to see that no life is lost to the pandemic.

He urged residents not to panic over the disease, but constantly observe hygienic practices, as prescribed by medical experts.

He declared that as part of immediate efforts to curtail and control the pandemic in the state, the government would activate Emergency Operation Centres and a Diagnostic Centre, adding that the Maternal and Pediatrics Centre, Olodo, Ibadan, has been re-designated as the State Infectious Disease Hospital.

According to the governor, two ambulances would be on standby to attend to cases of Coronavirus suspects, even as he noted that Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, in all the 33 local governments and Local Council Development Areas have continued their surveillance activities.

Makinde maintained that the state would make the closure of worship centres and religious gatherings voluntary, advising that not more than 50 people are gathered in the same place at once.