TheCable

Funke Egbemode, commissioner for information and civic orientation in Osun, says the 49 returnees from Ivory Coast who entered the state on Wednesday tested negative for COVID-19.

In a statement on Thursday, Egbemode asked residents of the state to dismiss reports that the state government allowed a new batch of returnees into the state without vetting by the appropriate agencies.

In March, the state received the first batch of 127 returnees from Ivory Coast, and 17 of them tested positive for COVID-19.

“The State Government wishes to set the record straight. 49 indigenes of Osun yesterday returned to the state. 41 are from Ejigbo and 8 from Iwo. We have an official report showing they all have tested negative for COVID-19,” Egbemode said.

“These 49 indigenes of Osun, on arrival from Ivory Coast, were graciously received by the Lagos State Government at the Nigeria-Benin border, were quarantined for 14-days in Lagos State’s facility in Badagry where they were tested for COVID-19 infection during the period.

“Those who tested positive to the disease were moved into Isolation Wards in Lagos, while those who tested negative to the infection were cleared and those from Osun were allowed to return to State of Osun, their destination.

“The State Government of Osun hereby assures its citizens that there is no cause for alarm or reason to panic. The returnees who were accepted into the State have been certified to join the society by the appropriate agencies of the government. Hence, they pose no risk or threat to the people of Osun.

“The State Government urges its citizens  continue to trust that this administration is committed to protecting the people of Osun with everything within its powers.”