Updated: Fmr Punch Reporter Tests Positive To COVID-19 In Delta

A former Punch Newspaper reporter and now Managing Editor of Niger Delta Today, an online newspaper based in Warri, Delta State, Okpare Ovie Theophilus Onojeghen has tested positive to the dreadful coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

The Niger Delta Today, in a statement said that Onojeghen had subjected himself to the COVID-19 test after coming in contact with some recently tested COVID-19 patient in the state.

The test result released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Contest (NCDC) returned positive on Thursday night, the newspaper said, while calling for prayers for Mr. Onojeghen whom they said is stable and in high spirits.

The newspaper, however, urged those who have had contact with the managing editor to go into self isolation for the period of 14 days.

As of Thursday, Delta reported 106 cases against 40 in the previous day, bringing a total of 715 cases in the state.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Nigeria had on Thursday leapfrog higher with 594 new cases. Lagos and Delta states took top position in the new cases recorded on June 25, 2020.

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According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), till date, the country had gotten 22, 614 cases of the virus, 7,822 recoveries cases and 549 deaths recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The statement reads, “NIGER DELTA TODAY (NDT), online publishers of “news you can trust” wish to inform our numerous readers, newsmakers, followers and the General Public that our Managing Editor (ME), OKPARE OVIE THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN has TESTED positive from test results availed us from the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

“This honest public notice is not to create panic or stir uncontrollable emotions. Our M.E. in spite of this reality is in positive spirit, now isolated, undergoing necessary recovery process. No cause for unnecessary alarm, even for NDT which will continue to serve you “news you can trust” even in this trying moments.

We fervently can’t ask more for your support and prayers than now, and also very important, we urge those who have been in contact with our ME recently to also duly self isolate for the next two weeks to observe their situation. COVID-19 is real. We urge the GENERAL PUBLIC to be guided and guarded by observing all necessary containment protocols”.