Rising COVID-19 cases in Ondo state and need for quick action

Written by Titilope Adegolu

The past couple of weeks has seen an exponential increase in COVID-19 cases in Ondo state.

COVID-19, as is now understood, thrives mainly in an atmosphere of ignorance and carelessness.

The Ondo state situation is worrisome, in that it is at this point, hardly a matter of ignorance, but of utter carelessness, mixed with disbelief, and the spill- over effects of a leadership that leaves much to be desired.

Just within the space of three weeks, the number of COVID-19 cases in the state rose from 20- something to over 320.

Interestingly, Ekiti state recorded its index case before Ondo State did, but it has found a way to manage the spread of the virus, keeping the number of confirmed cases well under 50.

Markets in the state remain open and fully operational, places of worship and religious centers as well go about worship activities with little or no care.

The comparison between the two states become necessary, firstly, as they share boundaries.

Stamping out COVID-19 is not an impossible task. It would however require a specific and tough action plan.

It doesn’t help, that there is a viral video showing Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who himself has COVID-19, purportedly receiving and chatting with visitors in isolation.

Face masks are hardly seen on residents out and about on the streets, with a great number of them acting like there is not a thing to worry about.

With no seeming progress on the COVID-19 status of the state, it is beginning to look like the virus already left town.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

The government of Rotimi Akeredolu must begin to care for the lives of Ondo state people, hold them dear, and act like it!