Benue Gov’s wife, son, many domestic staff infect with COVID-19

The Ortoms had been subjected to routine screening by officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Consequently, the results had returned positive for members of the Benue first family.

Equally important, the development was disclosed by Mrs. Ortom in a personally signed statement on Friday night; a copy of which was sighted by 1^st News.

“A few moments ago this evening, I received my result from the tests earlier carried out on me and others by NCDC personnel on routine screening at House, Makurdi which returned that I and my son, and some staff are COVID-19 positive.”

Nevertheless, Mrs. Ortom revealed that she had proceeded on self-isolation; along with her son and all affected staff. Further, she has also advised all persons she had recently come in contact with to submit for screening.

“We have from this moment, gone into total isolation as required by the protocols and would immediately begin the management treatment as advised by medical experts.

“While I have taken the responsibility to personally call everyone I can recall to have had recent contact with to go for testing, I advise anyone who has had close contact with me in the last two weeks and the public to go for screening and testing.’’

Meanwhile, the Benue First Lady has called for calm, noting that a positive COVID-19 result is not a death sentence.

“I wish to reiterate that being COVID-19 positive is not a death sentence; as evident by the many recoveries recorded thus far. So there is no need to panic. But we should continue to be responsible in our actions so as to keep others safe.”

Feelers from the Benue Government House indicate that Ortom will be subjected to further tests. The governor, who is currently negative, will be monitored as a result of the development in his family.