Our Reporter
OGUN State said it has taken delivery of a molecular laboratory as part of efforts at flattening the curve of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The laboratory, according to Governor Dapo Abiodun, would be unveiled during the next 14 days’ lockdown at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Sagamu.
Abiodun said final touches were in place for its installation.
The governor earlier promised to establish a biomedical laboratory while opening two isolation centres in March.
He explained that the laboratory would minimise the test turn-around time, which was between three and five days and fast-track the handling of positive cases.
“A molecular laboratory test is essential in the checks for certain genes, proteins, or other molecules in a sample of tissue, blood, or other body fluid and central in the detection and handling of the Coronavirus.
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“It will also reduce the period of apprehension and anxiety for those suspected of infection and their relations,” the governor said.
According to Abiodun, Ogun would be the first state to set up its independent laboratory for diagnosis of the disease besides similar laboratories established by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Lagos, Osun, Edo and FCT.
He announced review of the 14 days’ lockdown which the state earlier announced on Tuesday.
“To strike a delicate balance of need for public safety and welfare of the citizenry, the current window of relaxation of the lockdown in the state from 7 am to 2pm, will follow the same pattern of last week.
“However, the government is reviewing the current window to enable citizens and residents to re-stock food items and conduct essential businesses during the period of the extended lockdown announced by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday,” Abiodun said.
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