COVID-19; OGUN TO DISTRIBUTES FREE FACE MASKS, WARNS AGAINST CRIMINALITY

          Ogun State Government says as part of efforts to contain the spread of Coronavirus, it will soon commence distribution of over one million face masks to the people of the State.

          The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who disclosed this while briefing the press on government activities towards containing COVID-19, at his Iperu home, said government has engage local tailors to produce the face masks locally, which would be distributed to those on essential duties, market men and women,  members of transport unions among others.

         

 "We are investing on face masks to ensure that it get to our people. We have engaged our local tailors to produce them for us and we intend to give those on essential Service, our market men and women and transporters. We want to make sure the masks are available to the people before we enforce wearing it in the public", the Governor explained.

          Giving update on the number of COVID-19 19 cases in the State, Governor Abiodun said the tracing process has been strengthened, leading to the identification of 210 persons, who had contacts with the positive cases, just as 110 underwent the required 14 days quarantine period, adding that two of this number tested positive, while the remaining 108 tested negative on completion of the quarantine period.

          He noted that 100 others were still observing the quarantine period and are being observed and monitored by specialist doctors and other healthcare workers.

          The Governor stated that the first State fully-funded Molecular Laboratory in the country has been installed at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, awaiting accreditation by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to commence full operation, while the second Molecular laboratory donated to the State would arrive next week.

          He said his administration had also finalized arrangements for the deployment of drive-through testing facilities across the State, particularly around the vulnerable areas such as the border communities, to stem community transmission into the State.

          While warning that government would deal with those who may want to take advantage of the current situation to perpetrate any form of crime or criminality,  the State helmsman  called on parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards conduct themselves in an orderly manner, in accordance with law, public morality and order.

          He appreciated the medical personnel, who are at the front line, security personnel, media men, members of the State COVID-19 Committee for their efforts, as well as the Digiclass, for ensuring continuity of teaching and learning, directing that the programme be extended further.