BREAKING: Popular Warri-based pastor dies from COVID-19 in Delta

By Ovasa Ogaga,

ADVOCATE has reliably gathered that the first COVID-19 death case in Delta State as was confirmed by the State Governor; Dr Ifeanyi Okowa is a 57-year-old popular Warr based pastor.

He was reported to have died at the isolation centre of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, on Wednesday, while awaiting the result of his sample from the Irrua Specialist Hospital, in Edo State.

The deceased who is the second case of the COVID-19 in Delta State, whose death was announced by the state government on Thursday, has his church located in a popular area of Warri.

According to Niger Delta Today Online reports, a source at DELSUTH, Oghara who spoke in confidence said the State COVID-19 Rapid Response Team had already commenced contact tracing of the deceased.

It added that before the late pastor was transferred to Oghara, he was hospitalised at a popular private hospital in Warri where he spent several days before he was referred to Oghara where he eventually died.

“He died on Wednesday while we were still expecting the result of his test from Irrua Specialist Hospital. He’s a popular pastor in Warri. He was a 57-year-old cleric.

“His health had deteriorated before he was brought to the isolation centre because of the symptoms he was exhibiting.

“We were all shocked when the result confirmed he was positive of Coronavirus”, one of the sources said.

Governor Okowa while confirmed the first death of the deadly Coronavirus in the state via his verified Facebook Page noted that the patient presented himself late to one of the state hospitals with severe symptoms, but however died before the result of his test came out today.

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The Statement Reads:

“I have just been informed of another case of #COVID19 in Delta State. The individual in question had underlying health issues and had visited Lagos State in the past two weeks.

“The patient presented himself late to one of our hospitals with severe symptoms including difficulty in breathing and was given the necessary attention by healthcare professionals. Shortly after the specimen was taken, he passed away. However, his test results came back positive today.

“In order to mitigate against the spread of the virus, we are fast-tracking our contact tracing to ensure that all those that came in contact with the deceased patient are properly isolated and tested immediately.

“Again, it is important that as we work to protect the citizens and residents of our state, families and friends of individuals that are exhibiting the primary symptoms of the #COVID19 virus, do not keep it from the authorities. If you see something; say something.

“I will continue to keep you all informed of any new developments.” The Governor stated.