Deputy Governor of Bauchi state, Alhaji Baba Tela, has said that another person has tested positive for COVID -19 in the state.

Tela made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the update of the about 100 contacts of the index case tested in Bauchi from March 24 to date.

He said the outcome of the third case, a 55-year-old, was out of the samples submitted by the state to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) during contact tracing. 

Speaking on the state’s preparedness against the pandemic, Tela said the state Rapid Respond Committee on COVID -19 and Lassa fever had inspected  an additional isolation center with 150 bed capacity in Bayara General Hospital.

The government also Tuesday imposed a lockdown throughout the state for a period of two weeks.

Secretary to the State Government Mohammed Sabiu Baba in a press statement Tuesday said the lockdown takes effect from Thursday.

He said movements would be restricted daily except Wednesdays and Saturdays, adding that all boarders to the state would equally be closed.

He said: ” Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed CON, the executive governor of Bauchi state appreciates the sacrifice of the public in these agonizing times. He has subsequently directed that in order for the public to secure food items, movement is allowed between 10: 00am to 4: 00pm Wednesdays and Saturdays. The ban does not however affect essential services.

“The governor appeals to the public to appreciate that these measures are aimed at curtailing the spread of coronavirus outbreak that is threatening the society. He appeals for continuous prayers,” the statement reads.

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