The Ogun State government has debunked the flowing rumour on the alleged escape of the taxi driver of the index case of coronavirus patient in the country describing it as ‘fake news’.
Since the news of the first case of the COVID-19 virus in the country, there were reports making the round on social media indicating the cab driver who conveyed the patient had escaped from custody and consequently demanding N100m ( One hundred million naira) from the state Commissioner for Health if they want him back in the hospital.
In reaction to the false reports, the Ogun state government stated there was nothing of such while assuring the general public that every situation has been put under control.
In a statement signed by Mr Kunle Somorin, the Chief Press Secretary to Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun and made available to newsheadline247, the state government expressed that the ‘fake news’ is the figment of the imagination of some unscrupulous elements whose desire is to incite fear in the members of the public.
The statement reads…
Our attention has been brought to the fake news making rounds on the social media that the taxi driver of the index case of coronavirus patient in the country has escaped.
Everyone that had any link with the Italian victim of the dreaded virus since he arrived the country has been quarantined. The others, who these primary contacts also had interactions with are equally being monitored.
Read Also Coronavirus: Ogun State Government shuts Lafarge Cement factory, places 28 under quarantine
The fake news also alluded to the imaginary driver demanding the sum of N100m ( One hundred million naira) from the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker and threatening to spread the disease if not paid. Nothing can be further from the truth.
We wish to put it straight that there is nothing of such. It is the figment of the imagination of some unscrupulous elements whose desire is to incite fear in the members of the public.
This period calls for sombre, responsible and responsive actions. COVID-19 is challenging the global community like no other disease in the past. The government is treating the challenge as such. How to contain and provide lasting solution to the scourge is our concern. We do not wish to dissipate energy on responding to this kind of frivolity. We all must be sensitive at this critical time in our history.
As a government, we assure that all the people already quarantined are in good spirit and they are cooperating with our medical personnel.
Besides, we already have the phone number of some few other contacts the Italian national came close to and they are being monitored.
There is no reason to panic. The situation is being controlled and contained.
It is therefore important we do what is expected of us as individuals in terms of personal hygiene and in ensuring that we sensitize those suspected of symptoms associated with COVID-19.
If you suspect any case, please, call the Ogun State Epidemiologists on:
08188978393 or 08188978392.
