Breaking: Coronavirus hits Benue for the first time

 
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Saturday announced that the state has recorded one positive case ofCoronavirus, COVID-19.

He broke the news to journalists in Makurdi after a meeting of the State Action Committee on COVID – 19, said the index case, one Susan Okpe returned from the United Kingdom, a few days ago.

The Governor stated that the blood sample of the affected lady was taken to Abuja alongside others and tested for the virus at the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, stressing that the other suspects tested negative.

While advising against stigmatization, he noted that about eight contacts were being observed, pointing out that staff of the facility where the patient went for medical attention would also be isolated and monitored for the required number of days.

The Governor said as part of proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease in the state, major markets would be closed from Monday, 30th March, 2020, and hinted the possibility of closing roads linking Benue and other states in the days to come.

Governor Ortom stated however that shops and medical stores would be open to the public with hand sanitisers placed at strategic entry points to the shops for use by customers.

He reiterated the ban on social gatherings such as funerals, weddings, Church as well as Mosque activities, urging Christians and Muslims to worship at home until the situation improves.

The Governor advised Benue people in general to stay at home as the safest measure against contracting the virus, adding that visits of all kinds especially by those living outside the state should be discouraged.

According to the Governor, Six ambulances had been made available for quick response to suspected cases of COVID – 19 across the three senatorial zones of the state.