The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed another case of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Delta State.
The Delta state Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, a medical doctor by profession, also confirmed that the second case had died before his positive test result was released.
Recall The New Diplomat had reported that Delta recorded its index case of Coronavirus on Tuesday.
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According to the governor, the second case had underlying health issues, revealing that he had visited Lagos State within the past two weeks.
“I have just been informed of another case of #COVID19 in Delta State. The individual in question, had underlying health issues and had visited Lagos State in the past two weeks. The patient presented himself late to one of our hospitals with severe symptoms.”
He added: “These symptoms included difficulty in breathing. He was immediately given the necessary attention by healthcare professionals. Shortly after the specimen was taken, he passed away. However, the test result came back positive today. In order to mitigate against the spread of the virus, we are fast-tracking our contact tracing to ensure that all those that came in contact with the deceased patient are properly isolated and tested immediately.
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“Again, it is important that as we work to protect the citizens and residents of our state, families and friends of individuals that are exhibiting the primary symptoms of the covid-19 virus do not keep it from the authorities. If you see something, say something. I will continue to keep you all informed of any new developments.”
However, experts have asked the Delta state government to establish a standard professional Emergency Management Plan(EMP) as well as an Emergency Management Team(EMT) in line global standards.
According to development experts, with such a body (Not a task force) in place, the state would be able to attract international support, including funding and technical capabilities. Said a former a UN diplomat: “These are specialized fields that require the professional and technical drive of experts in crisis or  Emergency Management plan(EMP) and Emergency Management Team(EMT) structure.”
