COVID-19:  Governor Fayemi goes into isolation, hands over to Deputy

The Ekiti State Government on Wednesday confirmed that the Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has gone into isolation for treatment, after testing positive to COVID-19.

The Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Aare Muyiwa Olumilua, gave the confirmation in Ado Ekiti during a press briefing on the activities of the Covid-19 Taskforce in the state.

Governor Fayemi had earlier on Wednesday announced  his COVID-19 positive result via his verified  Twitter handle, assuring Ekiti people that he was okay, and already  self-isolating at home, and receiving adequate medical care.

The Governor, according to the Commissioner, is in high spirits, asymptomatic, and participated in the virtual Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday.

He further revealed that Dr. Fayemi would be working remotely from home, but critical assignments that require his physical presence, have been delegated to his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, and other state officials.

Following the outcome of the Governor’s COVID-19 test results, Aare Olumilua explained that the wife of the Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, all cabinet members, and other personal aides of the Governor, had also gone for COVID-19 testing.

“The test result was obtained last night, and this morning he went on his Twitter page to break the news as a responsible leader would do.

“At the moment, he is asymptomatic, he’s hale and hearty, and in high spirits, but has decided to stay in isolation and complete his treatment.

“With regards to this, His Excellency will still work remotely from home, but critical assignments that might require his physical presence, would be delegated to the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi.

“All he asked everybody to do, is to remember him in prayers, and wish him a quick recovery.

“As a follow-up to Mr Governor’s testing positive, many of his immediate aides have actually gone for testing, including the Wife of the Governor,” he said.

Giving an update on the Community testing embarked upon in the State, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. (Mrs) Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, disclosed that about a thousand samples had been randomly collected through the scientific survey system.

She mentioned that the State had recorded 86 positive cases, and currently attending to 37 active cases, adding that 449 contacts have been established out of 518 contacts that were being traced, and about 61 cases are currently being followed up.

Reacting to a question from journalists, the Commissioner said no one can say exactly where the Governor contracted the virus, but was glad to say that the Governor, being a responsive and responsible person, has done the needful, by informing those who needed to be informed about his status.

She confirmed that the state already has community spread of the virus, which was mainly as a result of the opening of interstate borders by the Federal Government.

Also speaking, the Coordinator of the COVID-19 Taskforce, and Director General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, (OTSD) Prof Bolaji Aluko, said the Government would continue to impose sanctions through its mobile court, on violators of preventive measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus.

Professor Aluko emphasised the need to enforce all COVID-19 protocols of hand-washing, regular use of sanitisers, and the use of face masks, to forestall any further spread of the virus in the state.

He reiterated that the ban on traditional festivals, and the congregation of people in large numbers in hotels, beyond the permitted number, is still in force.

On the preparedness of the State Government on the reopening of schools and worship centres, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Gbenga Agbeyo, said the ongoing fumigation exercise started by the State Government last week Friday, has covered five local governments in the State, with the intention of preparing the educational premises and worship centers all over the state, for reopening.