The Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Chief Abiodun Olujimi, has urged the state government to be swift in its move to identify people who had contact with the index case of coronavirus in the state.
Olujimi made this known in a statement on Thursday while expressing grief over the death of one of those tested for the virus.
The Ekiti State government had, on Wednesday, said the 38-year-old patient, a Nigerian of Ekiti origin, was suspected to have been infected while driving a 27-year-old male American Caucasian who visited Nigeria from Richmond, Virginia, USA in the company of his caregiver, a 31-year-old female Nigerian of Ekiti origin.
The American was said to have died from complications of his illness, though his coronavirus test came back inconclusive, while the male driver and caregiver tested positive and negative respectively.
Olujimi therefore tasked the government to quickly identify contacts which could help curb the spread of the deadly virus because of the homogeneity of the state.
She also advised the government to equip the isolation centre with necessary kits and gadgets, and providing needed manpower to combat the pandemic.
Olujimi however applauded the state government for its timely response to the identified case and urged it to be more proactive in its response.
The Senator allayed the fear of the people over the pandemic, urging residents to continue to take self preventive measures by washing their hands with soap and water, and covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing.
She also advised the people to take further precaution by reducing social engagement in crowded places and to alert the authorities of any suspected case by calling the 112 Emergency Number.