COVID-19 vaccine is important, Edo tells residents

The Edo State Government under the adminstration of Godwin Obaseki, has urged residents to complement the government’s efforts at containing the COVID-19 pandemic by getting vaccinated.

Dr Andrew Obi, the State’s COVID-19 Incident Manager, gave the charge while addressing journalists in Benin City yesterday.

Obi, who reassured all of the government’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of citizens, reiterated the need for all residents to continue to comply with protocols.

He said it was important for all residents to be vaccinated to stay alive and healthy, as more unvaccinated persons continue to die from the virus.

Obi noted that all persons who have died from the virus during the third wave of the pandemic in the state were unvaccinated, while over 96 per cent of confirmed cases are those who were never vaccinated.

He said, “While the government intensifies efforts to contain the pandemic and ensure the safety of Edo citizens, we charge everyone who has been administered with the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine, to come out for the second dose to get full protection against the virus, while others who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to come out and get the vaccination, as the vaccines are safe, free and effective.

“Also, all citizens must continue to comply with all basic preventive measures including frequent handwashing with soap under running water, avoiding close contacts and ensuring regular use of face masks.”

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first known case was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease has since spread worldwide, leading to an ongoing pandemic.