Edo Govt Procures More Equipment to Fight COVID-19

In its efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, the Edo State Government has purchased another PCR machine and a new batch of 5,000 Viral Transport Medium (VTM).

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, who disclosed this in Benin-city, noted that the laboratory teams of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) have commenced the validation and inspection of two additional PCR machines in Edo State.

The new PCR machine, he said, brought to four the total number of PCR machines purchased by the state government since the outbreak of coronavirus in the state.

Okundia noted that the state has revved up its testing and screening capacity, urging residents in the state to use the various opportunities provided by the state government to ascertain their COVID-19 status.

He said the screening and testing exercise would identify the trend of the spread of the virus across the state and help the government ramp up effort and strategies to contain the pandemic.

Okundia, who decried the spate of rising cases in the state, urged all residents to stay at home and comply with the government's directives aimed at curtailing the spread of the deadly virus.

He said: "As a government, we have intensified efforts at containing the COVID-19 pandemic in the state. Apart from awareness and sensitisation against the spread of the virus, we have commenced massive testing and screening across the state. Laboratory capacity is being strengthened and training of laboratory personnel is ongoing by NCDC, World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners; also, one additional PCR machine for testing has been purchased by the state government and delivered.

"NCDC and ISTH Laboratory teams have commenced the validation and inspection of two new PCR in the state. We are also upgrading laboratory facilities to cater for differential laboratory testing at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital Isolation Centre (SOHIC). Also, we have procured another batch of 5,000 viral transport systems.

"Also, we appeal to everyone with symptoms of the disease to come for screening, testing and treatment as prompt detection and treatment increases the chances of survival. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please call these toll-free lines that have been activated by Edo State Government for assistance: 08001235111 or 08002200110."