The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has recovered from COVID-19 infection, a week after contracting the virus.
Gbenga Omotoso, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, made this known in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.
Omotoso said: “It is with gratitude to God that I announce the recovery and subsequent negative test for COVID-19 of the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi.
“Following the mandatory isolation, the commissioner retook a COVID-19 PCR test which returned negative yesterday (Sunday) evening.
“He is very grateful and humbled by the deep concern shown and expressed by Executive Council members, civil servants, Lagos residents, Nigerians, both locally and in the diaspora, through prayers, messages, phone calls and gifts.”
Omotoso added that Abayomi would be returning to his full duties gradually and remained resolute in delivering the mandate of the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whom, he said, stood by him steadfastly in these trying times.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Incident Commander, is excited by the news, and urged people of Lagos to realise that COVID-19 is still with us,” he said.
Omotoso, in the statement, quoted Sanwo-Olu as advising citizens of the state to continue to obey the guidelines of frequent hand washing, wearing of face masks and avoiding large gatherings, among others.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Omotoso had on August 24 disclosed that Abayomi had tested positive to COVID-19 after close contact with persons feeling unwell.
Subsequently, Abayomi proceeded on 14 days self-isolation and treatment at home in managing the infection.