COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu tests negative, out of isolation

After 14 days in isolation following his earlier positive status for Covid-19, relief has finally come for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his family, as his latest test returned negative, meaning he can move out of isolation and fully return to work.

Sanwo-Olu, who addressed the press, Thursday, at Lagos House, Marina, thanked Lagosians and the medical team for their care, prayers and concern throughout the isolation period.

“I spent 14 days in isolation, experiencing mostly moderate symptoms. It was an experience I am very glad to have put behind me.

I received very dedicated and competent care from the Lagos State Covid-19 treatment team, and I am extremely proud of the work that they do. They are a big part of the success story of the Lagos State Covid-19 response.

I was fortunate to have had a relatively moderate Covid-19 experience. About one in every ten persons who contracts the disease in Lagos State is not so lucky; they have to go into intensive care, and some of them do not make it out alive. For this reason, my gratitude is deep and profuse,” said the governor.

Sanwo-Olu, who advised residents of the state to be vigilant and extra careful, said it was also neccessary to avoid gatherings that exceed 50 people, warning that the government has directed full enforcement of compliance with all Covid protocols.

The governor also strongly appealed to Nigerians to shun all non essential local and international travels, as latest figures of positive cases of the virus are frightening.

“Not only is Covid-19 here with us, this second wave we are currently seeing is proving to be more ambitious than the first wave. We are seeing infection figures that are surpassing what we saw at the peak of the first wave, and, just like then, Lagos remains the epicentre.

As Nigeria’s most populous and densely-populated city, and a centre of international trade and commerce, this is not surprising in any way. But it is also the reason we need to exercise an abundance of caution,” he said.

The governor appealed to all persons feeling Covid-19 related symptoms to immediately isolate themselves and go for test to establish their status

According to him, “the best way to be lucky is not to get infected in the first place. The cliché, prevention is better than cure, should be a watchword for each and every one of us at this moment in time.

Fellow Lagosians, let me sound this note of warning again, as I have done from the onset of this pandemic, Covid-19 is real. It is here with us, and it is not a respecter of anyone, or of social class, religious belief, or partisan affiliation.”

Speaking further, he said passengers arriving in Nigeria from abroad must ensure that they submit themselves for their post arrival testing as advised, seven days after arrival in the country, as doing otherwise puts the health and well-being of the loved ones they have come to visit in jeopardy.

“All events and gatherings, whether for religious or social reasons, must abide by the guidelines which we have issued regarding maximum capacity for venues and mandatory handwashing and mask usage.

All establishments in Lagos State must implement a No-Mask-No-Entry policy for visitors and clients.

There is no justification at this time for socialising without caution. In fact, as much as is possible all socializing should be kept to the barest minimum or completely jettisoned.

We will bring the full weight of the law to bear on all those flouting the stated directives.”