AS the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the country, Osun State is counting its losses with seven of the 73 cases recorded in the last two weeks dead.
The state government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, said: “It has become imperative for citizens to consciously take personal responsibility for their own safety because the third wave of this dreaded disease has berthed in Osun.
“In the last two weeks, the state has recorded 74 cases with seven mortalities. We can no longer afford to treat our protection with levity. We must wear masks religiously and avoid crowded spaces like a plague. It is becoming more obvious that our lives depend on how well we adhere to safety protocols.
“Osun’s daily coronavirus case tallies and mortality rate are becoming alarming. The effects of the virus keep getting worse by the day because our compliance level is deplorable and alarming.
“Our people need to take responsibility for their own safety by ensuring that they take the COVID-19 test to be sure of their status, especially when they feel ill. Let us leave no chance for costly assumptions and be deliberate about boosting our immunity.
“Partying and appearances at densely populated locations has become dangerous all over. We are back to ground zero with the virus, and we cannot continue to pretend like it doesn’t exist. “The current statistics signal a precarious situation. With 74 positive cases in the last two weeks, from which 10 per cent mortality was recorded, continued disregard of safety guidelines and protocols by citizens may result in more frightening statistics with time.
“While the government continuing to upscale efforts in combating the pandemic and its effects on the state, citizens should ensure adherence to the safety protocols outlined by the different layers of government. Wear your mask always, keep clean surfaces at home and in work spaces, wash or sanitise your hands and avoid crowded spaces always.
“The more nonchalant and careless we become this season, the more we open ourselves up to the dangerous effects of the pandemic.”
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