Ekiti ready to set up COVID-19 laboratory – Commissioner

The Ekiti state government has disclosed its readiness to set up a COVID-19 laboratory in the state to increase the capability for more testing for residents.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, said this facility is to be provided by Governor Kayode Fayemi, in partnership with well-meaning Ekiti indigenes and other private sponsors.

Yaya-Kolade spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Friday, during a COVID-19 update press conference held by the task force in charge of the pandemic.

She said: “The federal government promised to provide a facility, but it has not been forthcoming. The governor now used his own initiative to reach out to well-meaning Ekiti Indigenes and friends to provide a facility that will boost our testing capacity.

“We are very optimistic that the testing kits, reagents and other materials to be used will arrive Ekiti next week”, she said.

Yaya-Kolade, who said the state presently has seven patients on admission, hinted that some of them have turned negative, but still awaiting the results of their second tests before they can be discharged.

“All of them are also stable. We are still tracing about 11 contacts who had contacts with the patients in isolation,” she revealed.

On the number of results being awaited, Yaya-Kolade stated that blood samples were being taken continuously, especially for those who entered the state through illegal routes.

“Some people who came into Ekiti and those who are manifesting signs are being quarantined and their blood samples were being taken on daily basis.

“We are determined to ensure that Ekiti records no death again and our testing capability is still going to be increased with the test laboratory we are planning for Ekiti,” the commissioner added.

Yaya-Kolade clarified that Ekiti has not absolutely banned burial ceremonies, saying such can be done with proper approval from the state government.

“Burials can be done in Ekiti upon getting approval and it has to be done in compliance with social distancing directive and with such gathering not more than 20 people,” she declared.

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The commissioner added that Governor Fayemi had ordered compulsory COVID-19 testing for those entering the state through the borders before being discharged from quarantine centre.

Also speaking, the Director General, Office of Transformation and Strategic Delivery, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, added that the government had enlisted the services of drivers and community associations for increased vigilance on those entering the state illegaly.

“Apart from security agencies, we are getting information from communities, so that we can arrest those sneaking into Ekiti. Those caught are being profiled and made to face the magistrate,” he said.

Aluko appealed to whoever wants to help the people with palliatives to distribute it in a manner that is dignifying and in tandem with the laid down rules.