Nigerian Student Dies Of Coronavirus After He Was Declined Test

After confirming its first three positive cases of coronavirus, Western Michigan University, America has lost one of its student to the deadly disease on Saturday, March 28th.

The  25-year-old Nigerian student identified as Bassey Offiong was expected to graduate with a chemical engineering degree in a few weeks.

Prior to his death, Bassey who lived off campus complained of fever, fatigue and shortness of breath.

He was directed by his sister, Asari Offiong to take a coronavirus test  at the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department where he was declined, on grounds that he had bronchitis.

Bassey was also hospitalized at Beaumont in Royal Oak and spent the last week on a ventilator in their intensive care unit.

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In a tribute to him, President of the university, Edward Montgomery said;

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our students, Bassey Offiong. Bassey was a young man of enormous potential… On behalf of the entire Bronco community, I want to extend my deepest condolences to his entire family, including his sister Asari, who has been generous in communicating with us regularly. They are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department also released this statement saying;

“We are truly saddened to learn of the death of a Western Michigan University student due to COVID-19. Our thoughts are with the student’s family and WMU as they grieve the loss of a loved one. We know this student was not a Kalamazoo County resident; however, this virus has no borders when it comes to who it affects and how it is spread… Stay home and, if you must go out for essential items, stay safe by taking preventative measures.”