Oyetola, wife tested negative of Coronavirus

The state Governor of Osun, Gboyega Oyetola and his wife, Kafayat have been tested negative of Coronavirus.

Oyetola said he has subjected himself for the test due to his recent travel to Abuja and has been tested negative for the COVID-19 virus.

He made this known on Wednesday in Osogbo , while briefing journalists on the confirmation of the first Coronavirus case in the state.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, had on Wednesday morning confirmed the first case of Coronavirus in the state. The case is a returnee from the United Kingdom and is currently receiving treatment.

He also said his wife, Kafayat because of her recent travel history, subjected herself to the test and back negative.

According to the Governor, the decision to subject himself to test following his visit to Abuja about one week ago is a way of leading by example.

Oyetola said: “Considering the fact that I was in Abuja for the better part of last week, as a way of leading by example, I have also subjected myself to test. My wife, because of her recent travel history also subjected herself to test. Both came back negative.

“To this end, I want to passionately encourage all returnees from UK, US, Europe, the West African Coast and indeed other high-risk countries to self-isolate and submit themselves to test, so as to assist the government in curtailing the spread of the virus.

To further contain the spread, Oyetola said a taskforce has been set up to man all the state land borders and conducts preliminary screening.

He further said that “all major markets will be shut down with effect from Friday, March 27″.

However, traders are allowed to sell food items in front of their houses. Pharmacies are also exempted from this ban.

“The ban on public gatherings, church services, Mosques, social events and political meetings among others remain in force.

The Governor, who urged the residents and citizens of the state not to panic as the disease is under control enjoined them to continue to observe necessary precautionary measures by regularly washing hands with water and soap and also maintain the prescribed social distance.

“As part of our efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the State, we have set up holding centres and the one in Asubiaro Specialist Hospital, Osogbo, is up and running, to isolate and treat suspected and reported cases of the virus in the State”.

He noted that the state government had contacted the family of the victim of the confirmed case and has since commenced contact tracing to identify people who might have been in contact with the confirmed case.

He, therefore, urged residents to call the emergency number 293 or Other numbers 08035025692, 08033908772 and 08056456250 in case of any suspected cases.