Delta State government has warned doubting Thomases resident in the state on the reality of COVID-19 in the state, just as 88 cases have been confirmed, so far.

TribuneOnline reports that in spite of the 88 confirmed cases with 63 active, 17 discharged and eight fatalities, it is a common sing-song in some parts of the state, especially Warri, that COVID-19 “is a scam.”

Responding to the believed nonchalant attitude of some people of the state to the reality of the pandemic, Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, warned against such disposition he described as dangerous.

He said that the treatment of the patients was costing the government of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa some good fortunes, warning residents of the state to protect themselves and others from contracting the virus.

Aniagwu, who was addressing journalists in the state at the Warri Government House Annex, disclosed that the naval rating who reportedly absconded from the isolation centre at Oghara some weeks back was in the custody of the naval authorities where he’s undergoing treatment.

He also buttressed that Miss Omamuzo Ijala, who caused an uproar on the social media, rejecting her positive status report at the isolation centre in Warri, actually tested positive, but has been treated and discharged.

He confirmed that many other positive cases were infected by her including some medical personnel in the frontline who are also currently undergoing treatment.

Aniagwu, therefore, pleaded with all Deltans and residents to discreetly observe physical distancing, regular washing of hands, use of alcohol-based sanitizers, use of face masks and avoidance of touching of eyes, nose and mouth with fingers among others.

Meanwhile, Aniagwu, who was flanked by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov Ifeanyi Okowa, Mr Oliseh Ifejika and other media aides to the governor, disclosed that schools would resume after some measures have been taken to safeguard pupils from contracting COVID-19.

“Until we make up our mind on how the pupils will resume, we won’t ask them to resume schools now,.

“We’re more interested in stopping the virus hence our partial lifting of lockdown to accommodate worship centres,” he noted.