Three new COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded in Ondo State.
The death of the coronavirus patients was confirmed on Monday by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu during his weekly media briefing on the pandemic in the state.
Disclosing the deaths, Akeredolu decried the continuous disregard to the COVID-19 safety protocols by residents stating that the deadly virus has continued to rise in the state.
According to Akeredolu, 19 new confirmed active cases were recorded within 12 days, including a 33-year-old journalist and an American returnee.
With the three new deaths, the total number of deaths recorded in the state now stands at seven while the confirmed cases are now 43.
“As you are aware, Ondo State has recorded a total number of 19 new active cases of COVID-19 in the last 12 days. This is against the 24 cases announced as of 27th May. These additional 19 new cases add up to make a total of 43 cases as at this morning. This figure is a significant rise from where we were. It is also fearful and alarming.
“In all, we now have 43 total confirmed cases while the local government areas with confirmed cases are Akure South (22), Odigbo (3), Owo (3), Ose (3), Akure North (2), Ondo West (5), Okitipupa (2), Akoko South East (1), Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo (1), Ifedore (1).
“The total cases on admission are 14. The total number of deaths is 7. Total discharged cases – 22. These are out of 568 total cases reported, 663 total samples collected and 655 total lab results received. We are currently following 113 contacts.”
While emphasizing that community transmission of the virus is now in full force in the state, the governor threatened that the measures put in place to contain the spread of the virus which had earlier been relaxed will be reviewed for the overall safety of everyone.
“Situations like this call for dire, swift and sustained measures. The government will proceed to take all necessary steps to reverse this threat to the people of the state. To this end, the following steps have been approved as our invigorated approach to the spread of the pandemic.
“All residents are encouraged to practise, more than before, social and physical distancing, use of facemasks, handwashing and travel restriction.
“All Premiership football viewing centres are hereby banned from operations until further notice.”
Meanwhile, the governor also appealed to those who had contact with the female COVID-19 patient who was caught selling second-hand wares at the popular Oja-Oba market in Akure after fleeing from Isolation in Imo State “to present themselves to the health facilities for immediate testing and proper care”.
