COVID-19 Menace: Monye Enjoins Deltans To Observe Non Pharmaceutical Measures, Get Vacinated

By Donald Ojebo

Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, has advocated for a holistic approach of critical stakeholders in stemming the spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic through sensitising of the populace on the need to be vaccinated and strict adherence to all the protocols of the virus in the state.

Dr. Ononye made this call during a press briefing, held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information in Asaba, the state capital.

“It is sad to note that some persons of influence have added untrue sentiments to the issue of COVID-19 vaccination which has created doubts and hesitancy in some persons and this is responsible for the low numbers of persons showing up for vaccination across the S,tate,” the commissioner stated.

He said that the COVID-19 vaccines were safe and its acceptance was good for the wellbeing of all, as it would reduce the severity of ailment on whoever contracted the virus.

“I took the vaccines, that is, both jabs and later came down with the virus which was very mild because of the vaccines I took earlier. Today, I am alive and healthy. so, those negative information being spread around will not help us as a people,” he said.

“The COVID-19 virus confers on one that immunity to confront the virus. Everyone should join and spread the information that COVIDd-19 vaccines are safe and all should take it as this will help reduce the severity of the virus when one contracts the virus,” the commissioner stated.

ALSO READ: NECO Moves To Make Examination Compulsory Nationwide

Responding to the call on the enforcement of safety protocols to check the spread of the virus, the commissioner said “we try as much as possible not to be punitive, but appeal to the good sense of judgment of Deltans and residents alike to apply themselves to what have been prescribed.”

On the issue of treatment, the commissioner said that the state government had incorporated the treatment of COVID-19 treatment architecture in its health facilities which meant that Deltans who registered with the State Contributory Health Scheme could get tested for the virus and treated free of charge.

He therefore called on those in the informal sector that were yet to register with the scheme to do so with the sum N7,000 only yearly which would afford them the opportunity to benefit.

The commissioner expressed gratitude to God that the state had not recorded any death in the wave of OMICRON variant and added that residents should be more cautious as the variant spreads faster and most of the time those affected were asymptomatic.