Delta SSG, Information Commissioner Test Positive for COVID-19

As the number of the COVID-19 cases across Nigeria continued its upward movement at the weekend, two top-ranking members of the Delta State Government have tested positive for the novel Coronavirus. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, who disclosed this in a statement in Asaba on Sunday, said that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Chiedu Ebie, and the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu had been confirmed to have been infected with the disease. The two functionaries have be on the frontline of the state government efforts to contain the COVID-19 since the index case on February 7, 2020 not only at the planning and strategy levels but also in intensified enlightenment campaign and state-wide monitoring of citizens' compliance levels with medical protocols. Only last week, the information commissioner disclosed that he had taken the test for the disease while appealing to the people of the state to take the precautionary regulations more seriously and to volunteer themselves for testing if they suspected certain symptoms similar to those associated with the COVID-19. Nonetheless, CPS Ifeajika said that the two government officials had been taken into an isolation centre after showing "mild symptoms of the virus and consequently subjected themselves to the test." Mr Ebie and Mr Aniagwu were "stable and responding well to treatment" the statement noted and reiterated the need for citizens and residents of the state "to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols as anyone, irrespective of status, could contract the virus." Ifeajika said, "Let me advise all Deltans to, as a matter of top priority, always obey the COVID-19 protocols, which have been in public domain, so as to curb further spread of the pandemic. “The fresh cases in our hands in Delta further testifies to the fact that COVID-19 is not a scam. It is real and people should take the issues of the virus and personal hygiene seriously. “COVID-19 is not a death sentence; so, when you begin to feel unwell, reach out to approved government hospitals for appropriate tests to be carried out. “We can save ourselves and others from this virus if we obey all the protocols of wearing face masks, regular washing of hands in running water, use of alcohol-based sanitisers and maintaining physical-distancing while congregating in any form. “All our hospitals and isolation centres across the state are on 24 hours alert to receive any case(s) of the Coronavirus or other health challenges.” Meanwhile, a Catholic clergyman, Rev Fr Norbert Uchuno of SS Peter and Paul parish, Issele-Azagba, a suburb of Asaba, has decried the widespread flouting of the government guidelines against the COVID-19, saying Christians are duty-bound not only to protect lives but also to ensure that they do not endanger the lives of others. Speaking on Sunday during a homily titled "Trust and Obey", Fr Ochuno wondered who the people could not abide by simple instructions like wearing of a facemask, personal hygiene observances and social distancing when the Obi of Issele-Azagba who is more than 80 years was seen keeping the rules strictly. From Monday, 22nd June, nobody would be allowed into the SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church building without properly wearing a facemask, the priest warned.