TheCable

Wole Oyebamiji, secretary to the Osun state government, has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Rafiu Isamotu, Osun commissioner for health, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

The state also confirmed 10 more COVID-19 cases, while one patient was discharged after testing negative for the virus.

According to the commissioner, the rise in the number of cases is as a result of the attitude of residents of the state to the guidelines issued to prevent the spread of the virus.

“If you observe, our cases have been on the rise consistently in the last two weeks or so. The reason is simple. Our people are beginning to be too casual about the spread of the virus. The lack of strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines is one of the main reasons for the rise. As a matter of fact, we are beginning to suspect that we have community transmission around Ilesa axis,” he said.

“Government is reviewing the cases. Soon, we shall announce other stricter measures to contain the spread of the virus in that axis.

“Today, we intensified our enforcement drive. All those arrested were made to go through a compulsory course on COVID-19 preventive protocols. We will go a step further by setting up a mobile court to try and sentence violators of safety protocols and guidelines. We must collectively join hands with the government to contain the spread of the virus.

“Also, I want to confirm to you that our SSG and some of the staff around him have tested positive to the virus. But they are all in stable condition and are receiving adequate medical care.”

He added that with the latest development, there are 74 active cases in the state as of June 30.

However, out of a total of 127 confirmed cases, 48 patients have been discharged while five deaths have been recorded.