It was a good day yesterday (Saturday, April 11, 2020) in Nigeria’s war against the Coronavirus (COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 18 patients were discharged in two states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja after treatment. Osun State took the lead with 10, while Lagos and Abuja each had four.

Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun on Saturday said 10 COVID-19 patients had been discharged from the state COVID-19 treatment centre according to NCDC protocol after testing negative twice to the virus.

Oyetola disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Government House in Osogbo while giving updates on efforts at the management of COVID-19 in the state.

He said the 10 discharged patients makes it a total of 11 COVID-19 patients that had been discharged from the 20 cases in the state.

“When I updated you on the state of the management of the Coronavirus pandemic in the State of Osun eight days ago, I disclosed that 110 of the 127 Ivory Coast returnees who tested negative for the Coronavirus had been released to join their families, while the remaining 17 whose results came back positive were receiving treatment and care at our facility in Ejigbo.

“I also expressed confidence that the 17 patients would soon be released to join their families.

“I am happy to inform you today that 10 of the 17 patients have tested negative twice for the virus in line with the National Centre for Disease Control and will soon be released to join their families and live their normal lives.

“The remaining seven patients are responding to treatment and shall, by the grace of God, soon follow in the steps of their colleagues.

“You will recall that of the two earlier cases, one had tested negative and had since been discharged.

“Consequently, the release of 10 patients today brings to 11, the number of cases that have tested negative twice and have been discharged after treatment in the State of Osun.

“This development underscores our belief that Coronavirus disease is not a death sentence, but is treatable if the patients surrender themselves for treatment on time.

“These successful treatments should also encourage persons who are feeling unwell to come out for testing and treatment if found positive.

“They are a proof that we have the right equipment and personnel to handle the Coronavirus pandemic.

“We thank our people for their understanding and for complying with the directives imposed by government and the relevant agencies.

“We urge them all to continue to obey the regulations to avert community transmission.” he said

In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday announced the recovery and discharge of another four COVID-19 patients, including 11 years old boy, having tested negative twice to the virus.

Sanwo-Olu, through his verified Twitter handle, said that the patients all males, including an 11 year-old-boy were discharged from the State Isolation facilities to reunite with the society, bringing to 50 the discharged patients in Lagos.

According to him, three of the patients were from the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yaba, and one from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba.

He said that the patients were discharged after testing negative twice consecutively for COVID-19.

The governor appealed to residents to stay at home, practice social distancing and observe the highest possible personal and hand hygiene.

“We are on a steady course to victory, let’s all make little sacrifices for the greater good,” Sanwo-Olu, the State COVID-19 Incident Commander, said in the tweet.

The governor added that the state would take care of its health workers, appreciating them for always being ready, hardworking and passionate in the fight against COVID-19 and other medical conditions.

“Thank you for your sacrifice, even during #Easter that allows other residents to stay safely at home. We appreciate you,” he said.

The governor said that the state’s plan for healthcare would touch every level from infrastructure to welfare and capacity development.

Sanwo-Olu said that working with the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, he would continue to improve and reach new levels in the healthcare delivery.

“I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to every health worker in Lagos. You are all heroes and I can’t thank you enough.

“We will get through this, and we will learn the lessons from #COVID19; so, we are more resilient in the future,” he said.

To complete the April 11 picture, four COVID-19 patients were also discharged after recovery in the FCT.

The FCT Administration disclosed this in a tweet on Saturday, saying: “The FCTA has confirmed the discharge of four #COVID-19 patients, bringing the total number of discharged to 11 in the FCT as at 12.30am, April 11th, 2020.”

•Largely based on NAN reports.

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