Coronavirus: UK Returnees in Delta Flaunting Self Isolation Precautions Says State Epidemiologist

By Iteveh Ekpokpobe

Delta State Epidemiologist, Dr. Richard Ikwuogu has raised alarm over three Okpanam indigenes who are returnees from the United Kingdom, for flaunting the 14 days mandatory self isolation precautions of the state.

The alarm is contained in a message circulating on WhatsApp which read, “I am Dr. R.O.C Ikwuogu, Delta State Epidemiologist. I had a bitter experience todaý at  Okpanam. The Epidemiology unit received report of Emeka Ijeh a returnee from London on 23/3/2020 who refused  to isolate.”

“My SDSNO placed a call to him but the man was full of abuses on the SDSNO. We went we the intent of discussing why he should self isolate but because of the phone call experience, we went to the Ogoani of Okpanam who asked the Chairman if vigilante group in Okpanam to lead us to the place.”

“On getting to his house opposite the Omu of Okpanam. He was informed that some persons are looking for him. He came down and while we tried to exchange pleasantries, he started abusing us that we are infringing on his privacy.”

“When I tried to explain, he said that I  would have the disease someday and ordered us out of his compound saying he is a WHO staff. We left quietly but I never knew that he was following us.”

“I will send to you what happened thereafter. The HCH could not come to our aid and the Police did nothing because no authority spoke on the matter.”

Confirming the report, Dr. Richard Ikwuogu, via a telephone chat, disclosed that their investigation was based on rumours which were however confirmed.

He disclosed that the first reported case was currently adhering to the regulations while the other two were willing to and had.

According to him, there was no suspected nor confirmed case of Corona Virus infection, so far, in Delta State.

Ikwuogu explained that a person must show symptoms of the virus before he or she is declared a suspect.

He urged Deltans to remain steadfast with the precautionary measures spelt out by the state government.