Categories: Benue news

BREAKING: Benue State confirms first Case of Coronavirus

The Benue State Government has confirmed one positive case of Coronavirus, COVID-19.

Governor Samuel Ortom, who broke the news to journalists in Makurdi today 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.

Ben Idah

Recent Posts

BREAKING: APC Crisis: Court of Appeal dismisses Moses Agaba’s appeal against Austin Agada

The Court of Appeal in Makurdi, Benue State, on Thursday dismissed an appeal filed by…

29 mins ago

BBNaija’s Phyna publicly rejects family, drops surname

Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Josephine Ijeoma Otabor, also known as Phyna, has publicly…

47 mins ago

Yemi Alade slams Cool FM, Clout Africa over blacklisting, refusal to forgive

Nigerian singer Yemi Alade has criticized prominent media outlets Cool FM and Clout Africa, accusing…

1 hour ago

BREAKING: Relief as Lakurawa terrorists flee Nigeria after military intervention

Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, has announced that the Nigerian military successfully expelled the…

1 hour ago

BREAKING: Supreme Court nullifies National Lottery Act, grants states exclusive control

The Supreme Court has struck down the National Lottery Act of 2005, ruling that the…

2 hours ago

Latest update on fuel price hike, fuel scarcity for November 22nd, 2024

As Nigerians express their frustrations over the recent fuel price hikes by the Nigerian National…

7 hours ago