Delta warns against self-medication, procures ventilators, bans public gatherings

TRACKING____Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has cautioned residents and indigenes of Delta State against self-medication in the face of the ravaging COVID-19 outbreak in the country. Instead, he implored the citizenry with symptoms like fever, cough and breathing difficulties to seek guidance on the dedicated help lines advertised by the state government – 0803 123 0480 and 0803 123 0481.

In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, Okowa limited gatherings to 20 persons, mandating chairmen of council areas to work with traditional rulers in ensuring that that the directive was complied with.

The address, the second in a week, followed the confirmation of 42 cases of the plague in the country by the Federal Ministry of Health, adding though that the state was yet to record an incident.

He, therefore, sued Deltans to observe precautionary measures, adding that the Multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had activated its Emergency Operation Centre and was working closely with state health authorities.

His words: “I wish to urge all Deltans to adhere strictly to the following precautionary measures: Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20-60 seconds and use alcohol-based sanitisers. Social Distancing: maintain at least two metres (six feet) between yourself and anyone, especially those coughing or sneezing.”

He continued: “Persons who are coughing or sneezing should stay home or keep a social distance. They should not mix in a crowd. Ensure good respiratory hygiene by coughing into your sleeve at the bent elbow or using tissue to cover your mouth and nose. Then dispose of the tissue immediately.”

The governor also advised the citizenry against unnecessary travels within and outside the state. He disclosed that his administration had completed an isolation centre at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.Okowa added that the state had taken delivery of 19 ventilators and a good number of monitors for use by medical personnel.

“Other critical needs, including dialysis machines, dedicated for COVID -19 case management, will be installed. I urge Deltans not to panic, but we must all commit to best behaviours by keeping to the advice of the NCDC and state officials. Please do not spread false information on social media, as it will do us no good,” he appealed.