The Edo State Government has raised the alarm that the state is facing a more violent strain of the virus in the second wave of the pandemic, urging residents to be cautious and observe all safety and health protocols against the spread of the infectious disease to stay safe and healthy.

The State COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. Andrew Obi, said this during a meeting of the Edo State COVID-19 Taskforce chaired by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The Incident Manager noted that the state recorded a difference of 907 confirmed cases in the first nine weeks of the second wave when compared with the number of confirmed cases within same timeframe in the first wave of the pandemic, which represents over 400 percent increase in confirmed cases.

According to him, all indices including deaths, case positivity, and number of infections, among others are higher in the second wave than the first.

Obi noted: “Our statistics show that Edo State is facing a more violent strain of the disease in the second wave than the first, as all indices including death, case positivity and numbers of infections are higher in the second wave than the first wave.

“Comparing the first nine weeks of the first wave and that of the second wave, we have a difference of 907 more cases, which is over 400 percent increase in confirmed cases.”

Obi added that Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts have the highest case positivity rate in the state, particularly Esan Central and Owan East local government areas.

He said Edo, in the last 72 hours, recorded 73 new confirmed cases, 3 deaths and 46 recoveries from the coronavirus disease, with 609 active cases.

The Incident Manager disclosed that one of the deaths was recorded at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), while the remaining two were reported from the Stella Obasanjo Hospital.

While urging residents to support the government in its efforts at containing the second wave of the pandemic and protecting the people, Obi charged residents with any COVID-19 symptoms to contact the Edo Emergency Operation Centre on this toll-free number: 08003625000 for assistance.