Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Monday, confirmed that he tested positive to the coronavirus otherwise called COVID-19.

The governor, who made the disclosure via his Twitter handle, @seyiamakinde on Monday, said he remained asymptomatic, adding that he would remain in isolation until after treatment.

He announced the appointment of a former Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Prof. Temitope Alonge, as the Head of COVID-19 Task Force pending his recovery.

It would be recalled that Makinde, with other state governors, attended the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja, penultimate week.

The Nigerian Governor’s Forum had advised its members who were at the Abuja meeting to go into self- isolation or undergo COVID-19 tests.

The test result, which was delivered to the governor around 5.30pm, indicated that he was positive to coronavirus.

News of Makinde’s test result came on the heels of the release of the state’s index case from the COVID-19 isolation centre in Ibadan.

The release of the patient was consequent upon the completion of his treatment at the Agbami Chest Hospital isolation centre, Ibadan.

The index case, American returnee, had been on self-isolation at a private residence in Ibadan until he was transferred to the Isolation centre at Agbami, Jericho area of Ibadan on March 23.

The index case was released after two consecutive negative tests.

According to the state’s Incident Manager, Dr. Taiwo Ladipo, the confirmed case spent six days in the isolation centre and was released after having two negative tests.

“He is well and very stable and is now back to his house. The infectious disease specialist will be reviewing him for follow up action.”

The governor stated in his tweet: “I just received my COVID-19 confirmation test result. It is positive. I am asymptomatic and will continue to self-isolate.

“I have designated Prof. Temitope Alonge, former Chief Medical Director of the University College, Ibadan, as the Head of COVID-19 Task Force while I recover fully. Please, continue to comply with all the directives from the COVID-19 Task Force. Stay home, stay safe.

“The dusk to dawn curfew (7 pm to 6 am) has taken effect from today; no gatherings of more than 10 people should be held anywhere in Oyo State. From tonight, Sunday, March 29, all markets will be closed except those selling perishable food items.

“Also, inter-state transportation in and out of the state has been suspended from tonight March 29, except vehicles carrying food items, medical, pharmaceutical and petroleum products. All measures will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

“Thank you all. Please, stay safe by following the proper hygienic practices, washing your hands regularly or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser and also practicising social distancing.”