Sapele suspected COVID-19 case, one other test positive, as Delta records 3 new cases

By Ovasa Ogaga,

Palpable fear has gripped health workers at the Central Hospital, Sapele, Delta State, as  Sapele suspected COVID-19 case, one other, today, test positive to the dreaded coronavirus pandemic.  

A health worker who spoke to us in confidence was worried that their colleague who attended to two patients brought to the hospital might have been infected and could easily pass it on to other health workers at the hospital, hence their anxiety and fear.

Delta State also recorded another new COVID-19 case at Oshimili North local government area, this makes it two cases of COVID-19 in the area, the first being the fruit seller which has passed on.

Recall that ADVOCATE reported yesterday of a middle-aged man who recently came back from Lagos sick and was abandoned in a Siena vehicle at Yoruba road area of the town, which caused panic and was later rushed to Central Hospital Sapele where his sample was taken.

The second case is also a male patient who had presented himself for treatment at a private clinic at Ghana area of Sapele, but the Doctor on observing the patient put a call through to the coordinator and NCDC officials in Sapele who promptly evacuated him to the holding centre where his sample was taken.

ADVOCATE gathered that the two results came positive for COVID-19 this morning and the two patients and are currently receiving at Isolation and Treatment Center, at the Delta State Teaching Hospital, Oghara.

The Delta State Commissioner of Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu confirmed the new cases in a post on his official Facebook page said that the state recorded three new cases of COVID-19.

ALSO READ: Panic in Sapele over suspected COVID-19 case, patient abandoned by relatives

Reacting to this development, Sapele council chairman, Hon Eugene Inoaghan, in a press release said the government has started contact tracing of all those who might have had contact with the patients for possible identification, testing, isolation and treatment.

According Chairman in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malcolm Tagbara, said; “our health facilities have been re-positioned and strengthened, and all health personnel placed on alert, together as a people, we shall collectively defeat this deadly virus that is ravaging nations all over the world,” he assured.

Inoaghan, in the statement, expressed satisfaction that the Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has continued to respond appropriately, in curbing the spread the novel Coronavirus since the news of the disease broke out.

He also commended him for effectively sustaining the proactive measures already put in place towards ensuring the containment of the dreaded disease, which is currently ravaging nations all over the world.

“I wish to assure all Sapele residents, that we have been beefing up our preparedness capabilities before the confirmation of these first cases, and we will use all the resources made available by the government to sustain our drive towards its containment.

“We have already started the contact tracing of all those who may have had contact with the patients for possible identification, testing, isolation and treatment.

“Please be reminded that most people who become infected may experience only mild illness and recover easily, but it can be more severe in others, particularly the elderly and persons with other underlying chronic illnesses. All Sapele residents should take care of their health and maintain hand and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves and others, including their own families.”

He urged residents to adhere to the state government and NCDC directives and guidelines by always; wash their hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or any alcohol-based hand rub.

“Cover our noses and mouths with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when we cough or sneeze, and avoid close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell.”