Panic In Edo NYSC Camp, as 17 Corps Members Test Positive To COVID-19

Pandemonium erupted in Edo State National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp as 17 corps members tested positive for the corona virus disease.

The corners as gathered are already been admitted at the state owned Stella Obasanjo Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment at the isolation centre.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Osagie Ebomwonyi disclosed this when he spoke during the visit of Governor Godwin Obaseki who was on inspection tour of the state’s infectious disease isolation center at the hospital in Benin.

Dr. Ebomwonyi noted that even though the confirmed cases are unvaccinated, the hospital is undertaking studies and analysis to find out if they have the Delta variant.

A personal assistant to Edo state coordinator of the youth scheme, Mr. Ozeto Waheed who also confirmed the disease said, the 17 corps members serving in the state are currently receiving treatment, noting that they were mobilized to serve in the state.

“When prospective corps members report, they are expected to be tested at the gate and anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is usually taken to the isolation centre for further confirmation,” he added.

During the visit, Governor Obaseki assured readiness of his government to deal effectively with the Delta variant of coronavirus (COVID-19), noting that there has been no confirmed case of the deadly variant of the virus in the state for now

He said: “We are beginning to see an increasing number of cases of the Delta variant in the country; this has become worrisome, hence the need to undertake a thorough analysis and study of the situation and use the data and information collected to make decisions on issues.

“One of the decisions to be made is the nature and preparation of facilities to receive patients for treatment in case we find ourselves in a difficult situation.

The Delta variant is very contagious and spreads very wide, with a greater impact on those that are yet to be vaccinated.

“We are here at this center to check the readiness of the facilities and the availability of oxygen, as well as ensure that we have all it takes to move 100 patients for treatment.

As part of effort to vaccinate more Edo people in order to protect them from the deadly virus, Obaseki disclosed that he spoke with the National Primary Healthcare Agency last week on the initiative.

The governor further explained that the plane conveying about four million vials of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines should be landing in Abuja, if it hasn’t already, noting the government was making arrangements to go and pick up its own consignment to vaccinate more people.

He said: “We don’t have to wait for the national logistics to come and deliver to us. I have made arrangements to charter a plane to go bring them; if I have to personally go and collect those vaccines, I will do so.”