The Benue State Government has confirmed one positive case of Coronavirus, in the state.
The index case is one Susan Okpe who returned from the United Kingdom, a few days ago.
State Governor, Samuel Ortom broke the news to journalists in Makurdi Saturday after a meeting of the State Action Committee on COVID – 19.
He 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.
Ortom who advised against stigmatization, noted that about eight other contacts were being observed, saying the 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, March 30.
He also hinted of the possibility of closing roads linking Benue and other states in the days to come.
Gov. Ortom stated however that shops and medical stores would be open to the public with hand sanitizers placed at strategic entry points to the shops for use by customers.
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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.
He however warned citizens against intra and inter- states travel for the meantime saying, “I want to warn and advise citizens to shelve all their travelling plans till the situation improves, anyone who disobeys these directives will be forced to obey by security personnel, who are actively involved to carry out the enforcement order.”
According to the Governor, six ambulances have been made available for quick response to suspected cases of COVID – 19 across the three senatorial zones of the state.
He further disclosed that the victim has already been moved to the quarantine Centres at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi for treatment.
