A seasoned journalist and publisher of Ovation magazine, Dele Momodu, has calmed nerves of families and friends over his possibility of contracting the coronavirus when he attended a birthday celebration in London recently.
Recall that the first Nigerian alleged to have died from the virus, Abubakar Achimugu, attended the said party where Dele Momodu, Dapo Abiodun, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and many reputable Nigerians were guests.
Momodu stated in a statement that there was nothing to worry about.
“I have been inundated with phone calls and a deluge of messages regarding an 80th birthday celebration that I attended in London recently. It now appears that at least one person who was believed to have had the COVID-19 virus attended the Party and he has subsequently died as a result of complications arising from the disease and/or other underlying conditions. I wish to sincerely commiserate with the family of the deceased and pray that God comforts and consoles them. And may his soul rest in peace.
“I am overwhelmed by the love and concern shown by all who have called or messaged me. It is important for me to reciprocate by letting them know the steps I have taken and wish to assure my friends and family that all is well,” he said.
The veteran journalist also added that even though he had submitted himself for test and he was refused test.
“As soon as the news broke, I immediately made arrangements yesterday night to have myself tested for the virus although I have not exhibited any of the symptoms associated with the virus. I called a senior Lagos State official and was informed by the relevant authorities that since I had not shown any symptoms in 14 days after the London party, I cannot be tested both legally and otherwise because I have already completed the mandatory 14 days procedure,” he revealed.
Momodu, however, advised anyone who may have been in contact with him since then to also do the same.
“Despite my obvious negative status, it is imperative for me to advise all those who have been in contact with me since March 10 to first self-isolate themselves and, if they are showing any signs of the disease, to immediately report to the authorities so a test can be arranged for them. You can only be tested if you have shown apparent symptoms of the Corona virus.
“It is also important for those people that have been in contact with me to apprise those that they have been in contact with in recent days to also self-isolate themselves and, if they have been showing any symptoms of the disease, to immediately report to the authorities so a test can be arranged for them.”
Dele Momodu also sounded a note of warning that the scourge is real, lethal and it is no respecter of status. He advised it should be taken seriously enough and adhere to all necessary precautions.
“We must take all precautions and follow the directives of the authorities who know better than us. The best advise is to stay home and that is what my family did and still doing. I advise us all to do the same unless we are performing essential services,” Dele Momodu concluded.
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