The Ondo State Government says it has resolved to partner with relevant stakeholders to curb community transmission of COVID-19.
Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu who was represented by the Chairman Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19 and the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, made this known on Friday at a stakeholders’ meeting on COVID-19 in Akure.
Akeredolu said the uncooperative attitude of some residents toward observing stipulated precautionary guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and the consequent community transmission, nessecitated the meeting and the call for collaboration.
He told each group the areas the government would want it to buckle up and assist in steming the tide of the pandemic.
According to him, the country has recorded over 11,000 confirmed cases and hundreds of deaths, which is a very serious issue that calls for concerted efforts and cooperation.
“The case in the state is still a sucess story, as the state has successfully treated and discharged 21 patients and has recorded only four deaths.
“There is need for stakeholders to form a formidable force to tackle COVID-19 and stem the tide, as recent cases recorded are clear cases of community transmission,” he said.
He said that the rate at which cases were being recorded and the increase in death toll called for drastic actions and collaboration.
The state’s Epidemiologist and Director, Epidemiology and Disease Control of the Ministry of Health, Dr Stephen Fagbemi, said that serious control measures had to be taken as the country was gradually easing the lockdown.
He appealed to the state residents to cooperate with the government by obeying stipulated precautionary regulations in the interest of all.
The Secretary of the Ondo State Bankers Committee, Mr Okafor Wallace, said at the meeting that congestion in and around banks in recent times was unhealthy and uncalled for.
According to him, the world now operates cashless policy and people do not need to carry cash round but transact business online or use the Point of Sale (PoS) terminals.
Wallace praised the governor and his team for commitment to tackling COVID-19.
The Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, Mr Adebo Jacob, appealed to the government to cushion the effect of the pandemic on transporters through palliatives.
He also urged NURTW members to comply with all laid down guidelines on the prevention of COVID-19.
