21 Mar Coronavirus: Oyo Govt Declares Emergency, Closes Schools

…As Suspected Case In Ibadan Tests Negative

Gov. Seyi Makinde held the first meeting with the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force, on March 21, 2020. While addressing the public after the meeting, he stated that the meeting became necessary because of the heightened unrest in the last 72 hours in Oyo State due to the increase in the confirmed cases of Corona Virus in Nigeria since March 18, 2020. He affirmed that there is no confirmed case of Corona Virus in Oyo State even though the Commissioner for Health had put measures in place to prevent the outbreak by hosting press briefings on February 28 and March 19 respectively where he outlined the steps being taken on the creation of Isolation centres, Helplines, Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) in the thirty-three Local Government Areas and thirty-five LCDAs. He added that in order to compliment the effort of the Ministry of Health, it has been agreed that:

• Emergency Operation Centers should be activated within 72 hours.
• Diagnostic center should be set up within 72hours.
• Schools are to be closed until after Easter.
• The Maternal and Health Center at Olodo is now redesigned as the State infectious disease hospital.
• Two dedicated ambulances should be provided for Corona virus cases.
• Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers earlier created in the 33 Local Government Area and 35 LCDAS be activated.
• The free health mission is now suspended.
• The ongoing employee verification is suspended.
• Enlightenment and campaign on prevention of Corona Virus be heightened.
• Wash centres will be activated in market and public places.
• Personal protective gears will be provided for health workers through emergency purchases.

He reiterated the commitment of the government to prevent and control Corona Virus disease in Oyo State, while adding that the result of the suspected case has been confirmed negative through the test carried out.