The samples of three suspected cases of Coronavirus in Kaduna state have been processed by the state ministry of health and they all came out negative, Kaduna state government said.
Kaduna state Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Mohammed-Baloni, who disclosed this while giving an update on the status of Covid-19 in Kaduna on Tuesday, said 24-hour call centre is being put in place to avail information to the citizens in addition to the contacts already available.
The commissioner explained that “so far, the emergency committee on COVID-19 has developed a preparedness plan and has undertaken an assessment of the Infectious Disease Control Centre (IDCC), and is ready to receive patients.
“Kaduna state has no case of Coronavirus, the Ministry have processed three samples of suspected cases and the results came out negative.
“The Kaduna State Emergency Operations Committee meets twice weekly to review progress of the plan. Health workers have been trained following the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) case management protocols. This training is being cascaded to front line health workers with the support of WHO and other partners.
“We met with Chief Medical Directors of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, ABU Teaching Hospital, National Ear Care Centre and representatives of the National Eye Centre and have set up a team of critical care staff to support the IDCC. The IDCC has been equipped with specialized equipment like ventilator, oxygen concentrators and monitors in preparedness of case management
“Residents should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers, maintain social distancing, keeping at least two meters apart from other people. We should avoid touching our eyes, nose and mouth. We should practice respiratory hygiene by covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing and dispose of the tissue immediately in a covered bin or cough into our elbow.”
The commissioner added that:”More importantly, awareness creation is ongoing for preventive measures. The Governor of Kaduna state has made available funds to strengthen measures that would ensure that cases are not found in Kaduna and all suspected cases are followed up and the ones that meet the testing criteria are tested.
“Preparations are being made to ensure that sanitary facilities are put in public places, offices and the likes. Volunteers to support the processes of information dissemination and other support areas are welcomed.
“Very importantly, all travellers from affected countries should self-isolate for a period of 14 days and report any symptom of cough, fever or difficulty in breathing to the following numbers: 08025088304, 08032401473, 08035871662 and 08037808191.
“The Kaduna state government will continue to update the public on new developments as necessary in our commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of all Kaduna state residents,” she said.
