COVID-19: As cases jump to over 700 in Delta, Governor Okowa writes residents

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has deplored the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the state.

The Governor who currently on 14-day self-isolation with his family after one of his daughters tested positive for COVID-19, advised the people to adhere to the preventive guidelines and safety protocols issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC noting that covid-19 is real and can affect both the rich and the poor.

Governor Okowa in a statement personally signed by himself regrets that many people still think that covid-19 is a hoax when over 20 persons in the state have died of the disease including some prominent citizens.

According to the governor, the state has recorded 106 new cases in a space of 24 hours with the total number of confirmed cases jumping to 781. He passionately appeals to the people of the state to realise that the disease is real.

It is quite worrisome that many of our people still walk the streets without wearing face masks and observing social distancing. With these stark numbers, we must brace up and take responsibility for our collective health and safety NOW.

— Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (@IAOkowa) June 27, 2020

The governor called on residents of the 7 most affected local government areas of Oshimmili north, Oshimmili South, Warri South, Uvwie, Ughelli North, Ethiope West and Sapele to be on red alert.

He also emphasised that the relaxation of the covid-19 lockdown measures to enable the people take care of their families does not in any way suggest that the danger posed by the pandemic is over.

“Our isolation centres are currently overwhelmed with the number of cases. Unless we proactively and collectively take drastic actions to reverse the trend, we stand the risk of becoming another epicentre for the pandemic.” The Governor further warned.