Story from Kenneth AFOR, Lagos

The Ogun State Government has said that the newly confirmed 15 cases of COVID-19 were not the Delta variant as earlier speculated in some quarters.

Dr Tomi Coker, the State Commissioner for Health disclosed this on Thursday in Abeokuta.

Coker clarified that her earlier call for strict adherence to public health guidelines and report of the new cases in the isolation centre was mistaken for the new strain of the dreaded disease.

She said although some states have recorded the new variant this is not the case in the state to date.

She said that the need to adhere to all the non-pharmacological guidelines of wearing face masks properly, washing hands frequently, use of hand sanitiser, maintaining physical distance and refraining from unnecessary social gatherings given the high transmission rate of the Delta Variant is important at this period.

“Ogun State has not recorded any case of the Delta Variant of Covid-19. The press release I issued was aimed at calling for strict adherence to the stipulated guidelines considering the increase in the cases we are experiencing nationwide at the moment.

“The first phase of the vaccination campaign has been concluded. However, the second phase is about to commence and we urge all those yet to be vaccinated to present themselves at the nearest vaccination centre for their first and second dose. It is well established that the vaccines are safe and effective in protecting us and loved ones,” Coker pointed.

The Commissioner assured that the Ogun State Ministry of Health is monitoring the trend and will not fail to give regular updates from time to time.