COVID-19: DELTA GOVT ERECTS 70-BED HOSPITAL

"The Delta state government is preparing isolation centres across the State to ensure quick response to save the lives of Deltans, bearing in mind the speedy way the virus is contracted".... Chiedu Ebie

As part of its efforts to address issues of bed space for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in Delta state, the Government, under the leadership of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has erected a 70-bed isolation centre at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr Chiedu Ebie, alongside the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Mordi Ononye, among other dignitaries on Tuesday, inspected the readiness of the isolation centre to receive patients at the facility.

Ebie, during the inspection tour, expressed confidence that the state was prepared in case of an upsurge in cases even as efforts have been stepped-up to curb the spread of the virus in the state.

He disclosed that the state government was preparing isolation centres across the State to ensure quick response to save the lives of Deltans, bearing in mind the speedy way the virus is contracted.

In addition, the Secretary to the Government disclosed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in conjunction with AGIP and other partners erected the isolation centre at the stadium.

"Our resolve is to provide isolation facilities across the state and this project was started about four weeks ago and will be put into use any moment from now as almost all the equipment needed are in place”.

"With the manner with which the virus is spreading, government cannot handle it alone and corporate organizations and well meaning individuals have come to render assistance, NNPC/AGIP came together and galvanized other oil companies to provide these facilities”.

"Deltans can be safer if they obey established health protocols because, it is our prayers not to have more patients in the State and for those in the isolation centres to get well and be discharged," Mr. Ebie said.

In his contributions, Dr Ononye disclosed that the isolation centre has comprehensive health facilities, including accommodation for the patients and caregivers.

He stated that COVID-19 was not a death sentence, especially with early detection, disclosing that the deaths so far recorded in the state was as a result of the victims having prevailing health challenges that were compounded by COVID-19.

The Commissioner stated that with early detection, the state has the expertise and facilities to manage the patients