Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State has warned residents of his state against the use of unauthorised traditional herbs in the treatment of COVID -19 virus.
Akeredolu who gave this warning while reviewing the latest development on the COVID -19 in Akure, Ondo State capital, advised the residents of the state to report any case of coronavirus for proper medical review and appropriate treatment.
The governor also disclosed that plans are underway to meet with religious leaders and other stakeholders in the state to explore ways of returning religious worship back to society.
Warning against unauthorised drugs, Akeredolu said “there have been various suggestions and unauthorised recommendations of drugs and therapies for COVID-19, Government wishes to use this opportunity to advise the public against embarking on such harmful and indiscriminate acts.
“All the herbal combinations and orthodox medicine mostly being promoted and displayed on social media and elsewhere are not yet authenticated and approved for clinical use.
“I, therefore, wish to advise our people in Ondo State not to jeopardise their own health through self-medication against coronavirus. I call on everyone to promptly report all cases for proper medical review and appropriate treatment.”
The governor noted that about four cases of COVID -19 have been recorded in the state in the last one week, saying this brings the total number of cases recorded in the state to 20.
According to him, “20 cases so far confirmed in Ondo State, 13 have been successfully treated and discharged, one dead and six in bed, undergoing treatment.
“What is clear in this data is that COVID-19 can be treated if detected and reported early. It is also clear that our health workers are competent and more than ready to save lives.”
He said the state government will not relax in its efforts and measures to stem the rave of the pandemic in the state by monitoring all the entry points and blocking illegal routes into the state.
“We also restricted the operations of our main and community markets. In all of these, our objectives are to enforce social and physical distancing as well as restriction of unauthorised movements.
“The goal is to stop imported cases and community transmission, both of which have been identified as the main sources of the spread in our state.
“While the government remains mindful of the challenges imposed upon all of us by this pandemic, I wish to emphasise that we will continue to take every lawful and necessary measure towards the welfare and protection of our people.
“We will do all to ensure freedom, confidence and prosperity for our people, including the right to seek the face of God almighty at all times and especially at these crucial times.
“In furtherance to this, Government will be meeting with religious leaders and other stakeholders within the state to explore ways of returning religious worship to our society.
“We will accelerate such consultations and review and without doubt, the people will hear from me very soon.”
He called on the residents of the state “to remain vigilant and dedicate themselves to community care by reporting all suspicions to our health workers and our rapid response team available on the specially designated toll-free numbers.”
He, however, said that all the regulations pronounced by the government are geared towards the protection of the people and containment of the spread of the pandemic.
He said: “Such measures include the dusk to dawn curfew, border and entry points closure, physical and social distancing, restrictions on business and market activities, compulsory use of face masks, guided burial and interment protocols as well as all personal hygiene practices.”
Credit: tribuneonlineng.com
