Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has disclosed that the Index Case of COVID-19, recorded in the State has now tested negative and would soon be discharged from the hospital.
The index case in Ekiti was a driver who brought a 27-year-old American to the State a few weeks ago and eventually tested positive of Coronavirus.
After testing positive for the virus, the driver was placed in isolation and under intensive medicare.
Though the 27-year old American he brought later died with an inconclusive test, his female caregiver tested negative.
The governor who spoke on Tuesday while on a TV program, said his administration had imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in the State to combat the spread of the disease, he explained that the Curfew starts between 7 pm -to 7 am, with restriction of movement during the rest of the day, except for people on essential services.
Contrary to some opinions that COVID-19 is a disease of the affluent, the governor said the virus is an equal opportunity disease and cautioned people against the “illusion.”
“Let our people know COVID-19 is an equal opportunity disease, it is not for the big men. The person that tested positive in Ekiti is not a big man, it could happen to anybody, we must not allow the illusion, that it is a big man’s disease.”
The Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum added that all governors across the Federation are doing their possible best to protect their territories.
Fayemi, appreciated God for the negative result of his test and explained that he still had five days to be in isolation but has been reaching his team (State Executive Council) via Social network. The governor added that his wife, who just returned from abroad, tested negative and is also on self-isolation.
“Though I was tested negative, I am still in isolation for 14days, I still have 5days remaining, so I am at home in Ekiti on restriction, I am in constant communication with my team.
“The Ekiti index case that was positive has now tested negative, and would soon be discharged, he said.
“The curfew imposed in the State to curb the spread of the deadly disease is backed by executive order, our lawmakers are in COVID-19 recess
“What we have done is in adherence to the Quarantine act of 2020 and in conjunction with the 1999 constitution. With the executive order, our action is adequate
“The 7 pm -7 am curfew means no movement, while 7 am-7 pm,there is a restriction on movement except those on essential services.”
The governor added that his administration has been doing everything possible to ensure that the Ekiti health sector improves.
“For instance, during the time of Lassa fever, despite the fact that the neighboring state recorded incident, Ekiti had no case of Lassa.”
Fayemi, however, appealed to the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC) to establish a health testing facility in the State.
“We have no testing facility in Ekiti, the NCDC should do all possible for each State to have one, though they have in some states, but not yet in Ekiti.
“Notwithstanding, all governors are doing their best to ensure their territories are protected, steps are being taken in line with the NCDC.
“We were in a teleconference meeting on Sunday, all 30 governors who were present gave an account of what they are doing, for instance, we had fruitful discussions with the Association of food beverages, pharmaceuticals, drinks and drugs, because one of the highlights of the NGF Teleconference was the transportation of essential things without hindrance, to develop a protocol on how to handle this, the information has been passed down to security agents in charge of lockdown in each state.
