Ogun commences second round of community-based Covid-19 testing in 20 LGAs

The Ogun State Government says it has commenced its community-based Covid-19 Testing across the 20 LGAs of the State in order to increase test rate in the State.

Recall that the first round of the community sampling was carried out in April at the peak of the pandemic in the state across all local government areas.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker in a release said the decision to domesticate Covid-19 testing in the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State was founded on the national recommendation of community-based testing as a means to improving early case detection and treatment of both Symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. 

She disclosed that the exercise which is free of charge will commence on October 8, 2020, with mobile testing in 5 major markets in each LGA before stationing it at the designated PHC, adding that ward/community leaders had been engaged to buy their support and ensure they assist in mobilizing their communities for the testing.

"Evidence has shown that, increased testing, including those done within communities will improve case detection, ascertain the true status of infectivity and thus help in limiting spread of the infection, particularly through unrecognized local transmission. This is a lesson we have learned from countries such as South Korea, "

"In our country, increased testing has helped achieved the success we have attained thus far. However, we need to intensity on the efforts to multiply the gains and have better understanding of the pattern of the virus in Nigeria,"she said.

Coker further revealed that sample collection will be carried out in one specified primary healthcare center (PHC) in each LGA, saying health personnel in the PHCs have been trained specifically for this purpose. 

She said once samples have been collected, the health personnel would transfer them to the designated labs within the State for testing, adding that this method will not only lead to increased testing but also help reveal the true burden of the disease in the State vis-à-vis positivity rate. 

The Commissioner, who urged residents to present themselves for the exercise, added that the testing will be done 5 days in a week for the next 3 months simultaneously in each LGA, saying the working hours is between 8am and 3 pm.