DELTA GOVT PLACES PUBLIC ON THE ALERT AS COVID – 19 PATIENT IS FORCEFULLY MOVED OUT OF TREATMENT CENTRE

Ojebo Donald

The Delta State Ministry of Health has expressed displeasure over the uncooperative stance of one Mr Michael Nwachukwu Mordi, a 53-year old Chief Nursing Officer at the Central Hospital, Agbor, who tested positive for COVID-19 on May 23rd, 2020 and was admitted to the COVID-19 Treatment Centre, Federal Medical Center, Asaba on May 24th 2020.

In a statement issued in Asaba, Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, said since the admission of Mr.  Michael Mordi, he had been very aggressive and continually threatened the caregivers, while refusing to take his medication.

Dr Mordi revealed that at 6pm on June 1, 2020, against medical advice, Mr Michael Nwachukwu Mordi consented to his being forcefully removed from the treatment centre by seven men who claimed to be his relatives, even withiut the necessary protective coverings.

He stated that the men only succeeded in exposing themselves to danger and posed serious health risk to the society, particularly the communities with which they came in contact.

The Health Commissioner alerted members of the public about the health risk of associating with the patient and with those who had exposed themselves to him.

Dr Ononye strongly advised that the said patient be returned to the treatment center for proper care, while those already exposed to him should immediately go into supervised self – isolation for the next 14 days.

The Commissioner reiterated that the COVID-19 pandemic was real and enjoined the public to continue to observe all published preventive protocols such as regular handwashing with soap and water, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer and use of face masks in public places. 

He called on residents to as much as possible avoid crowded places and always maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet.

According to the Commissioner, persons who have fever, cough or difficulty in breathing should visit the nearest government hospital for proper assessment and possible testing.