DEBO ADEOYE, IBADAN
The Covid-19 virus that is spreading like locusts has dangerously started to take its toll on Oyo State.
ENGINEER SEYI MAKINDE, the Executive Governor of Oyo State was on Monday announced as the latest victim of the deadly virus. This was disclosed some hours after it was confirmed that no fewer than 3 top management members of the University College Hospital (UCH) were positive to the deadly virus in Ibadan.
GOVERNOR MAKINDE who broke the news via his personal twitter handle @seyiamakinde on Monday, said that he remains asymptomatic and would remain in isolation.
He also said that he had appointed PROF TEMITOPE ALONGE, a former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL (UCH), Ibadan, as the Head of COVID-19 Task Force while he recovers.
It would be recalled that GOVERNOR MAKINDE was one of the governors who attended the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, penultimate week, where he met with a number of colleagues.
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) had after the meeting advised its members who attended the Abuja meeting to go into self- isolation or undergo COVID-19 tests.
The test result, which was delivered to the governor at about 5.30pm indicated that he had tested positive to coronavirus.
The governor stated in his tweet: “I just received my COVID-19 confirmation test result. It is positive. I am asymptomatic and will continue to self-isolate.
“I have designated Prof Temitope Alonge, former Chief Medical Director of the University College, Ibadan, as the Head of COVID-19 Task Force while I recover fully. Please continue to comply with all the directives from the COVID-19 Task Force. Stay home, stay safe.
“The dusk to dawn curfew (7 PM to 6 AM) has taken effect from today; no gatherings of more than ten people should be held anywhere in Oyo State. From tonight, Sunday, March 29, 2020, all markets will be closed except those selling perishable food items.
“Also, inter-state transportation into and out of the state has been suspended from tonight, Sunday, March 29, 2020, except vehicles carrying food items, medical, pharmaceutical and petroleum products. All measures will be reviewed on a weekly basis.
“Thank you all. Please stay safe by following the proper hygienic practices, washing your hands regularly or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser and also practicising social distancing. The EOC Helplines; 08095394000 / 08095963000 / 08078288999 / 08078288800.”
