Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Wednesday called on residents in the state not to shy away from reporting suspected cases of COVID-19 before they become critically ill.
The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, in Ibadan, said that this was for the benefit of all.
He urged residents to dial Service code — *723*19*6#; or call 014400028. They are expected to follow the procedure to determine whether or not they need to get tested for the novel Coronavirus.
“The number and service code platforms offer preliminary screening opportunities to determine who needs to get tested for COVID-19,” Makinde said. 
The governor said that the two platforms, which offer services in English, Yoruba and Pidgin English, could also be used to report a suspected COVID-19 patient.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the platform will request for information on the caller’s/dialler’s current health status, including whether he/she is currently experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19.
Makinde said: “It will also request for the individual’s name and present local government of residence.
“If a caller or dialler correctly fills in the information on his or her health situation and medical history, the application will classify such individual as high or low risk, depending on the information provided.
“When a dialler does not need further testing for COVID-19, the application, at that point, will classify such person as low risk and advise him/her to continue to stay safe by adhering to precautionary guidelines.
“In the case of an individual with information that matches those with COVID-19 symptoms, the application will classify the caller as high risk.
“It will direct such person to self-isolate, cough into elbows, wash/sanitise hands regularly, avoid touching mouth, nose or face and engage in healthy diet.”
The governor also urged residents to avail themselves the opportunity of the phone number and service code, while adhering to the precautionary measures issued by the COVID-19 Task Force.
