As part of measures put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 second wave infection in the State, Ondo State Interministerial Committee on Coronavirus says the Isolation Centre in Okitipupa is ready for commissioning and use for the treatment of COVID-19 cases in the area.
The committee also called on school authorities to intensify efforts targeted at educating students on universal preventive measures against Coronavirus.
The Chairman, Interministerial Committee on Coronavirus and Vice Chancellor, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi stated this in Okitipupa during an assessment of the Isolation Centre; while the Committee also used the period to observe and inspect compliance of schools in Okitipupa local government area with COVID-19 preventive measures.
The Don who was represented by the Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Toyin Adeyalo-Ogundare revealed that the facility has a 20-bedded unit, laboratory and other facilities needed for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in the Southern Senatorial District of the State.
He urged the people not to jettison their preparedness against the spread of the pandemic, noting that prevention of Coronavirus is the bedrock of human survival, during this period.
The Professor also solicited the cooperation of the people in the area to overcome the second wave of the virus.
At the schools, he advocated for the aggressive use of hand washing facilities, hand sanitisers, nose masks and adherence to other preventive measures, while calling for the establishment of COVID-19 monitoring teams and COVID-19 Prevention Clubs in schools.
Speaking to newsmen, the Chief Medical Director of the State Specialists’ Hospital, Okitipupa, Dr. Akintunde Ogunfeyinmi, observed that the Centre is ready and personnel, including Specialists, are now ready to administer treatment on patients at the Centre, once it is commissioned. He stressed that staffers have been trained on precautionary measures, skills and knowledge needed to work effectively at the Centre.
Responding on behalf of the schools, the Vice Principal of Ofedepe Comprehensive High School, Okitipupa, Mrs. Funmi Akinboyo said students have been taught on the need to learn and adopt universally acceptable preventive measures against Coronavirus.
She maintained that in order to prevent its spread among students, the school management ensures there is adequate distancing among the students in their classes, proper wear of the nose mask, regular hand washing practice and obedience to other basic hygiene.
In the same vein, some students who spoke with newsmen, Miss Oluwanifemi Asulewon and Master Taiwo Ayenuberu assured that they will continue to guide against contracting the virus, while appealing to parents to support them with the provision of nose masks and other things that could help protect them against COVID-19 infection.