COVID-19: Panic in NYSC Camps As 15 Corps Members Test Positive in Edo
By Abba Auwalu Issa
According to the chief medical director, Dr Osagie Ebomwonyi, 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to Edo State who showed symptoms of COVID-19 have been admitted to the Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Irrua.
Even though the confirmed cases are unvaccinated, Ebomwonyi, who spoke alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki during an inspection of the state’s infectious disease isolation center at the hospital in Benin yesterday, admitted that they are conducting studies and analyses to determine if the Delta variant is present in the state.
Mr. Ozeto Waheed, a personal assistant to Edo State Youth Scheme Coordinator, confirmed the disease’s presence and stated that the 17 corps members serving in the state are currently receiving treatment.
“When prospective corps members arrive, they should expect to be tested at the gate, and anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is usually taken to the isolation center for further confirmation,” he explained.
Governor Obaseki stated that the state government is prepared to deal effectively with the Delta variant of coronavirus (COVID-19), noting that the deadly virus has yet to be confirmed in the state.
“We are beginning to see an increasing number of cases of the Delta variant in the country; this has become concerning, requiring a thorough analysis and study of the situation, as well as the use of the data and information, gathered to make decisions on issues,” he said.
Obaseki said he spoke with the National Primary Healthcare Agency last week about the initiative to vaccinate more Edo people in order to protect them from the deadly virus.
The governor stated that approximately four million vials of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are expected in Abuja and that the government is making plans to pick up its own consignment in order to vaccinate more people.
“We don’t have to wait for national logistics to come and deliver to us,” he explained. I’ve made plans to charter a plane to transport them; if I have to personally collect the vaccines, I’ll do so.”