The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has stated facts, figures and data available in the State on the current state of the spread of Coronavirus does not indicate a new wave but a continuation of the first outbreak of the pandemic, as the curve since the outbreak of the pandemic was never flattened.
Makinde noted that the planned 1,800 vaccines to be supplied the State through the Nigerian government is grossly inadequate for the people whose population stands between 7 and 10 million, noting that arrangement is in top gear to explore other means of getting more vaccines for the people, as the State had already opened discussions with certain manufacturers on how it could get more.
The Governor, who revealed this while addressing the press on the state of the virus in the State, on Wednesday, at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, asserted that between when the State started testing people in March 2020 and December 2020, 20,000 tests were conducted, out of which about 3,000 were positive for Covid-19.
He said, “By the NCDC guidelines, we tested mostly sick people who have direct interaction with those who have the virus. The NCDC have revised those guidelines and made testing open to accommodate more people, including those who may not even be showing any symptoms.
“So, from December 2020 till date, we have conducted a further 14,000 test. And have had about 696 positive cases. So, it is clear that we did not have flattening of the curve, rather, we have more people becoming more complacent and acting more as if the pandemic was over,” the Governor disclosed.
Makinde noted that the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has continued its work of monitoring and enlightenment, as data reveals that COVID-19 is still very much around and science says the spread could be controlled by taking precaution.
He explained that since 2020 was a difficult year for many people, logically, things should not be done in a way that would make the situation worse, asking that citizens should neither let down their guards nor take any of the precautions lightly.
The Governor stated, “In the last months, we have unfortunately had eight deaths. So, even though many people have mild to moderate symptoms, it is severe for a few. And since we do not know who it would be severe on next, we need to keep our guards on. On our part, we are doing everything within our power to provide more resources for the EOC to continue to manage the spread of this disease.”
For those who may need oxygen, he revealed that the government was facilitating greater collaborations between laboratories, the University College Hospital, Ibadan and the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, Ibadan, and also carrying out trainings for private clinics and hospitals, so they can follow the right protocols.
Governor Makinde re-emphasised the State’s COVID-19 slogan: Own Your Action, asking citizens to always wash their hands with soap and water, use an alcohol-based sanitiser, wear a mask and keep proper social distancing.
