Akeredolu – Akure – Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has declared all schools in the state closed till further notice to prevent the spread of the dreadful coronavirus.
He made the declaration in a statewide broadcast on Thursday in Akure, the state capital.
In his address, the governor said: “We have also directed the closure of all primary and secondary schools as well tertiary institutions in the state as from Friday 20th, March 2020 until further notice.
“This measure is to harvest our children into the safety net for proper monitoring and care.
There is no doubt that this global pandemic poses a real challenge to all nations, yet if we all collaborate effectively, we will overcome it successfully.”
Speaking on the proactive measures so far taken by the state government, the governor said that the state infectious disease hospital has been equipped as a treatment centre for the disease.
“Upgrading the state disease surveillance network to be able to identify cases and ensure proper community surveillance. Roll out a sustained media campaign on the COVID-19 infection. Ensure a seamless collaboration with federal government and other development partners.”
“To further strengthen our capacity to respond effectively to this emergency, we have set up a high-level inter-ministerial committee to coordinate state’s response to the COVID-19 challenge,” the governor said.
Furthermore, the governor informed the people that “The major symptoms of this viral attack are fever, cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose and difficulty with breathing. Any individual with these symptoms especially those who have recently travelled to areas where there is a serious outbreak should embark on self-isolation for a minimum of 14 days.
“Such individuals should also in the interest of our corporate existence, report in any of our healthcare facilities nearest to them or call any of our emergency lines that will be released for assistance if they develop any of the symptoms.
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“One major advantage that our state has is the experience and expertise we have developed over the years from our fight against Lassa fever and other infections. We believe this will place us in good stead at this critical period. It is therefore important for members of the public to remain calm, avoid panic and spreading of inaccurate information.”
“We, therefore, wish to use this opportunity to call on all residents of Ondo state to obey and observe the simple, time tested and internationally accepted precautionary measures to fight this debilitating virus. We urge us all to fully embrace the handwashing exercise at every interval of our daily activities. We must avoid handshaking and unnecessary social embrace.”
“We must reduce or where possible, postpone, until further notice, ceremonies and other social gatherings. We urge us to avoid staying in overcrowded areas and avoid any unnecessary travels outside the state.”
Source – https://www.independent.ng/
