COVID-19: Kaduna sends 89 samples for test

The Kaduna state government has sent 89 samples to Abuja for COVID-19 test, five cases returned positive, including the latest case recorded on Sunday, 77 cases returned negative, while the result of eight cases were being awaited. 

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Mohammed Baloni, who disclosed this on Monday in Kaduna, said 119 contacts of the positive cases have so far been listed, while further contact tracing was ongoing.

According to her, “The state government has been taking vigorous actions to contain the spread of Covid-19 since February, by reaching out  to the Chief Medical Directors of all hospitals in the state, daily evaluation of the pandemic and devising new ways to check the spread.’’

The commissioner further said that the ministry has set up emergency operation centre (EOC), which is chaired by the commissioner of health and  meets every day,  to take proactive measures.

Dr Baloni further said the ministry has “reactivated and strengthened the Infectious Disease Control Centre (IDCC), by posting trained health workers to the facility, who are currently caring for our patients.”

“The ministry has also concluded arrangements for the take-off of an alternative isolation centre which has 69 rooms, where mild to moderate cases will be managed. The facility is expected to be ready to receive patients this week.

‘’In the same vein, Kaduna state government  has also concluded arrangements for the establishment of a testing laboratory in collaboration with Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, for quick diagnosis,’’ she revealed.

Dr Baloni advised that “cooperating with disease control efforts will reduce the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 and therefore, reduce the possibility of a community transmission.”

“In addition, different sub committees have been put in place to coordinate response to  the disease which include the surveillance, laboratory, coordination and risk communication teams. Likewise, training of health workers is also ongoing,’’ she added.

Dr Baloni commended ‘’the front line health workers who are  taking care of our patients and the various professional bodies, Development Partners and individuals who have reached out to support the state government’s  efforts.’’

She called on traditional rulers, community leaders and religious leaders to  ‘’continue mobilising their people on the importance of hand washing, respiratory hygiene and  obeying government’s stay at home directive, as well as maintenance of social distancing in order to avoid spread of the disease.’’

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