Three Osun State returnees from Cote d’Ivoire test positive for coronavirus

Three of the 127 Osun State indigenes who returned from Cote d’Ivoire last week to their Ejigbo hometown of Osun State have tested positive for coronavirus, following medical examination conducted on them by the State Government.

Penpushing reports that, the returnees,  majority of them from Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire’s densely populated economic capital, had returned home through Ogun State to avoid the planned lockdown of the city by the Ivorian government.

They arrived Nigeria in six buses which conveyed them to their hometown late Friday and in swift response Osun State Government restricted them from mingling with the people and subsequently camped within the dormitory of a high school in the town.

Penpushing further reports that, the government thereafter took samples of their blood for screening for the Coronavirus disease, and on  Monday evening,  when the results came out,three of 24 out of the 127 showed positive.

The Commissioner of Health, Rafiu Isamotu,  who confirmed the development said, “the 127 of them were camped within the dormitory of a high school in the town and they were barred from moving out of the camp.

‘The government has since been responsible for their welfare while their samples were taken for screening for the Coronavirus disease. However, on Monday evening, results of 24 out of the 127 samples taken indicated that three were already positive. So as at Tuesday, we were still awaiting the results for the remaining 103.”

Penpushing also reports that, due to recent rise in number of the patients, Governor Oyetola  has set up a 21-member welfare committee for the indigent aside from the task force involving medical experts and other stakeholders

The committee is chaired by Tunde Badmus of Tuns Farms Limited, while others include;  Ademola Adeleke, Deji Adeleke, Lasun Yusuff, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; Matthew Asimolowo,  Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi; Folorunsho Alakija , Chief Bisi Akande, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rauf Aregbesola.

Penpushing also reports that, a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Wole Oyebamiji, said  the decision was necessary to take care of the less-privileged and cushion the effects of the restrictive actions already taken to combat the pandemic.

“As the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 continues with intense devotion, it has become inevitable to put in place Relief and Humanitarian Banks across the State. The State appreciates its supportive friends, donors and partners, who have contributed to the project, including those who have pleaded to remain anonymous. Osun has limited means but unlimited needs to fulfil during this period”  Oyebamiji stated.