22nd April, 2020
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged residents in the state to report any suspected cases of COVID-19 before they become critically ill.
This he said, will help the government in tracing possible contacts and victims of the deadly virus.
The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, urged residents to dial Service code — *723*19*6#; or call 014400028.
He explained that the two platforms, which offer services in English, Yoruba, and Pidgin English, could also be used to report a suspected COVID-19 patient.
Makinde said: “It will also request for the individual’s name and present local government of residence.
“If a caller or dialler correctly fills in the information on his or her health situation and medical history, the application will classify such individual as high or low risk, depending on the information provided.
“When a dialler does not need further testing for COVID-19, the application, at that point, will classify such person as low risk and advise him/her to continue to stay safe by adhering to precautionary guidelines.
“In the case of an individual with information that matches those with COVID-19 symptoms, the application will classify the caller as high risk.
“It will direct such person to self-isolate, cough into elbows, wash/sanitise hands regularly, avoid touching mouth, nose or face, and engage in a healthy diet.”
The governor also urged residents to avail themselves of the opportunity of the phone number and service code, while adhering to the precautionary measures issued by the COVID-19 Task Force.