…As Sanwo-Olu Warns Against Complacency
As the world desperately battle against Corona virus, Lagos state of Nigeria on Thursday, discharged from its facility in Yaba 11 patients, who have fully recovered and tested negative to COVID-19 and have been allowed to return home to their families.
This brings to 18 the
number of discharged patients in Lagos since the index case was reported.
The patients include two females and nine males, who were discharged after
testing negative twice consecutively to #COVID19.
Reacting to the development, the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu
expressed joy that the state joy that the state has not recorded any mortality
and expressed hope that it remains so.
He enthused:“That the
tests results of these patients came out negative twice is a big assurance to
us that they pose no threat to the community. We are, therefore, releasing them
in furtherance of our commitment to a disease-free State.
“May I use this opportunity to, once again, thank our frontline health workers
who took care of the patients as well as members of the Lagos State Health
family and the Emergency Operation Centre for their resilience and diligence in
the face of the daunting challenges confronting our State in curtailing the
spread of this pandemic.
“It is a thing of joy that we have not recorded any mortality and we hope – and
pray – that it remains so. We will not rest on our oars but continue to work
assiduously for the full recovery of the other patients so that they can return
home to their families and the community.
“I am happy to note the excitement of the patients. They are full of gratitude
to our dear State that has stood by them all the way, the health workers and
all those who contributed one way or the other in the fight against this unseen
but vicious enemy of mankind. The Health Commissioner and all members of
the medical team got kudos.”
One of the former patients said: “Initially, I found it hard to
settle into the facility. In fact, the first two days I spent here were so
lonely for me, but I gradually settled and found companion in my fellow
ward mates. The doctors and other health workers who attended to us were
amazing and we appreciate their sacrifices.”
Sanwo-Olu, however, warned Lagos residents and health workers not to relax, but
to maintain vigilance against Coronavirus, because of the community infection
that the state is beginning to experience.
He advises Lagosians to remain steadfast as they stick to the rules of hygiene they
have been told to practise.
He said: “Let us continue to observe Social Distancing. Let us
remain indoors, shunning the temptation to breach the presidential restriction
that has been placed on our State so that the gains made so far in the fight against
COVID-19 is not eroded. We should shun any gathering for whatever reason at
this delicate period.”
The governor, who bemoaned report of youths gathering for social and sporting
activities in the state, coupled with those massing for religious purposes.
He added: “This kind of insensitivity could be a weak link
in our collective effort to break the chain of transmission of the
infection.
“The order for law enforcement agents to ensure that residents comply with the
directive to stay indoors remains. I enjoin members of the Organised Private
Sector and others to read the Federal Government’s guidelines on the
restriction of movement so that the directive is not breached in any way.
Again, I assure you that at the end of it all, we will hoist a flag of victory
– with your co-operation and by the grace of The Almighty.”
