Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has completed his 14 days self-isolation after contacts with COVID-19 cases.
The Governor also confirmed the cases of COVID-19 in his state adding that as at Wednesday evening, the state has recorded 11 cases with one death.
Obaseki who made the announcement through his official Twitter page on Wednesday said the state may record higher figure in subsequent time.
He wrote, Obaseki wrote: “My good people of #EdoState, I am glad to inform you that I have now completed my 14 days self-isolation period as a result of my exposure to confirmed cases of coronavirus (#COVIDー19).
“Throughout my period of isolation, I effectively coordinated all our efforts as a State, and will now like to update you on the activities and efforts which the very dedicated COVID-19 Response team have been undertaking to curb this pandemic.
“As at today, Edo state has 11 confirmed cases and sadly one death from COVID-19.
“Unfortunately, from the evidence we now have, the number of cases is likely to increase significantly in the next few weeks, unless we take very drastic actions NOW to slowdown the spread.
“We have gathered information that large numbers of our citizens who traveled back home in the last several weeks from overseas may not have self-isolated themselves.
“Although majority of the current cases are individuals with travel history and their relatives, in the coming days, we are likely to see community transmission of the virus to people who do not have any travel history.”
The governor, however, noted that lockdown order will not be issued because of the effect of hardship on its citizens but noted that strict measures will be put in place henceforth.
He therefore, called on all residents to strictly adhere to all preventive measures announced by the professional health workers adding that wearing of face mask is compulsory for all residents.
“We are reluctant to have a total shut down of the state because of the hardship it will cause to our people.
“For the next 14 days it is compulsory that every person in Edo state must wear a face mask in public. The Edo state Association of tailors and fashion designers are mass-producing high quality reusable face masks at affordable prices.
“Any gathering of more that 20 people will be immediately dispersed and persons involved will be prosecuted.
“All markets in Edo state will be shut for fumigation, sanitization and thorough cleaning over the next 30 days,” he said.