The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed on Tuesday that a Coronavirus patient escaped from one of the state’s treatment centres on Monday.
Aniagwu made this known when he visited the Delta Chapter of the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) and Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) in Asaba.
According to him, modalities, have however been put in place to track the escapee “as he remained a potential danger to the society because he had not fully recovered from the infection.”
Aniagwu stated further: “We had a situation yesterday (Monday) where somebody who was being treated left the facility in controversial circumstances.
“We have put in place machinery to bring him back and we have told the general public and all those who know him to stay clear from him because he actually tested positive.”
The commissioner explained that as of date, the state had recorded 88 confirmed cases of COVID-19, eight deaths and 17 recoveries, stressing the need for concerted efforts to “flatten the curve” of the virus so that people can go back to their normal lives.
“The more we are able to observe the existing protocols, the better we are able to exit the pandemic on time.
“For us to return to our normal life, we need your assistance to enlighten the people because this scourge is real; We will remain focused and not be distracted by criticisms.
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“As at today, our total confirmed cases stand at 88; 17 patients have so far been discharged and unfortunately, we lost eight persons to the pandemic due to underlying ailments,” he said.
He said the state government under the leadership of Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa was committed to building a better, stronger and smarter Delta, such that would benefit all the people of the state.
He stated that the state government had taken steps to develop the state in the last five years, adding that a lot of the electoral promises by the governor had been fulfilled.
“We can beat our chest that we have surpassed very many of the promises we made during electioneering.
“We have a covenant with the people of Delta to create jobs, build infrastructure and make life meaningful for our people.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, who accompanied the commissioner, thanked the publishers for their reports even as he urged them to always cross-check reports, particularly in the social media, to avoid sensationalism and falsehood.
In his remarks, ACNPN Chairman, Jude Obiemenyego, assured the visitors that the publishers would remain committed to the development of the state.
He said the group had resolved to ensure that only well verified reports were published by members of the association and enjoined his colleagues to always seek clarification before making any publication to ensure balanced reports.
On his part, DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, appealed for government patronage to the group to keep members afloat.
