The Lagos State Government on Friday announced that the Italian index case of the coronavirus disease is finally negative.

Consequently, the man has been discharged from the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba Lagos

LagosTimes understands that the patient, who tested positive for the disease on February 28, left the hospital on Friday evening.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who made the disclosure said the Italian donated unit of white blood (otherwise called plasma) before he was discharged adding that the blood plasma was rich in antibody proteins that target #COVID19 virus.

The Commissioner of Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, earlier this week disclosed that the Italian had tested negative but would still be under observation to determine if he was no longer a threat to the public.

Sanwo-Olu said: “As the COVID-19 Incident Commander for Lagos State, I am glad to inform you that the index case the Italian gentleman is now negative.

“Through a combined effort of Lagos State, Ogun State and Federal Health Authorities, we were able to limit the transmission if the virus to a single contact.

“This involved aggressive contact tracing and containment strategies. However we now have several new imported cases and we hope we can apply the same contact tracing strategy along with social distancing to slow down the outbreak which may be brewing from these new cases.

“The index patient consented to donating one unit of white blood (otherwise called plasma) before he was discharged today. The blood plasma is rich in antibody proteins that target #COVID19 virus.

“The white blood plasma is frozen in our Bio-bank and will be useful in handling new cases.

“The blood plasma will be beneficial for the treatment of new patients in the absence of a defined therapeutic drug for #COVID19 yet.

“The index patient appreciated the exceptional care and support given to him by staff of the mainland infectious Disease Hospital,Yaba, all members of the EOC/@followlasg.

“The EOC team was extremely happy to bid the patient farewell.

“Once again, we like to convey the enthusiasm of our team to do the very best possible in handling incidents of Coronavirus.”