Kaduna state Ministry of Health has warned that anybody who tests positive for Covid-19 must submit themselves for treatment at the isolation centre.
The warning became necessary after two Covid-19 patients failed to submit to treatment in the state.
Kaduna state Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Mohammed Baloni, who issued this warning on Sunday, warned that it was illegal and dangerous for Covid-19 positive patients to switch off their phones and make themselves inaccessible to health authorities after being notified of their test results.
According to Amina, “Two persons were duly informed that they had tested positive while on isolation on Friday. Health officials subsequently notified them that a team will be coming to convey them to the isolation centre for treatment. These persons subsequently switched off their phones and have remained incommunicado.”
In a statement, Dr Amina said, ‘’These reckless action of theirs is endangering themselves, their families and the larger community.
“Similar irresponsible conduct by some Covid-19 positive cases has been reported in another state. It is a pattern of behaviour that must be stopped because it is patently dangerous to public safety.
“Details of the two persons involved have been communicated to the security agencies for tracking and surveillance. Members of the public who may have relevant information on the whereabouts of these persons are urged to promptly contact the authorities.
“Covid-19 is not a death sentence. Persons who receive treatment promptly have a higher chance of defeating the disease.
“Twelve persons have so far been discharged in Kaduna state after receiving treatment and our health professionals are working hard for the recovery of other patients. However, positive but asymptomatic persons and untreated Covid-19 cases have a high chance of infecting others and endangering their well-being.”
