27th April, 2020
Bayelsa has recorded the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.
Dr. Inodu Akpoku, the Chairman of Bayelsa COVID-19 Task Force implementation Committee, confirmed the affected woman has been quarantined at one of the isolation centres in the state.
Akpoku said that there was no cause for worry and that the state is well-prepared to handle the situation.
The chairman said that the government was preparing a detailed statement on the case that would be made public.
He said; “We have recorded one case and she is a woman and she has been moved to the isolation centre at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) at Okolobiri in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
“There is absolutely no need for panic because the Bayelsa government is adequately prepared for this. We have no fewer than three isolation centres and well trained medical professionals to tackle the pandemic.
“We appeal to the people to take their hygiene more seriously and we have emphasised the use of face masks by residents in addition to other protocols put in place by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
“Also, people should ensure they take more fruits and vegetables in their diet as it boosts the immune system. In addition to complying with the hygiene protocols, good nutrition is also recommended,” he said.