Coronavirus: Edo has capacity to conduct 600 tests daily - Obaseki

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has stated that Edo State has developed the capacity to conduct 600 coronavirus tests daily, even as there are three additional Real Time-PCR Molecular Reference Laboratory operational in the state.

Mr Obaseki advised stakeholders and residents to support the government’s efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic.

“In our COVID-19 response, we provided funding and platform for the set up of three additional Real Time-PCR Molecular Reference Laboratory in Edo State, with a daily testing capacity of 600 test per day at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, (ISTH), University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo Specialist Hospital and Lily Hospital.

“There is also a massive procurement of laboratory commodities, personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, dialysis machines, PCR reagents, vehicles etc. essential for supporting Covid-19 response in Edo State.

“The state government has also put in place a highly coordinated surveillance system across the 18 LGAs of the state as well as along entry and exit points into the state for contact tracing, line listing and active case search at facilities and communities,” he disclosed while addressing journalists in Benin during the weekend.

Obaseki added that the state has also increased partnership with institutions, organizations and groups within and outside the state to harness support for the pandemic.