COVID-19: Osun Govt urges residents to observe safety protocols

…As Osun records 47 new cases

Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo

Osun State government has appealed to citizens and residents of the State to continue to observe the safety protocols outlined by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the new set of guidelines released by the government during the week.

This is just as the state recorded 47 new COVID-19 cases according to the latest data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, enjoined citizens to cooperate with the government in the battle against the infection, adding that the spike in figures is becoming more alarming.

She said, “In the past week, we have recorded the highest number of cases since the start of the second wave, and it is particularly worrisome that it is coming at a time when the government has copiously pleaded with citizens to take personal responsibility for their safety, and at a time when the government has firmed up measures in the fight against the infection.

“Cases in Osun are rising at an alarming rate, and the increase in cases has been more dramatic in recent days.

“The state’s positivity rate was 209 across seven days in week 3, compared with 150 in week 2, marking a 39 percent increase.

“These stats are not encouraging, especially in a state like ours where the government has been true to its commitment to protect its citizens from actual and potential threats.

“Inaction, negligence or carelessness in the face of this unpleasant acceleration of cases could make the state an infectious zone, consequently making another lockdown unavoidable.”