Covid-19: Kaduna may impose fresh lockdown over rising cases

Kaduna state government has urged citizens of the state to strictly follow the Covid-19 protocols to abate recent spikes with a warning that if the rate exceeds current pace, it will have no option than to impose another lockdown.

The government said public spaces, including schools, markets, offices and places of worship may be temporarily closed if people fail to observe Covid-19 preventive protocols.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Mohammed-Baloni, who dropped the hint at a press conference on Saturday said Kaduna state is having rising cases of the virus.

“In absolute and relative terms, Kaduna state is now recording high infection figures reminiscent of the first wave of Covid-19 spread in April, May and June 2020.

“Lowering of the infection rate following the first wave encouraged government to approve the recommendation of the State Covid-19 Task Force for a significant reopening of the state. However, we are saddened to report that the conditions that compelled the 75-day lockdown of the state are now being replicated,’’ she said.

According to Dr Baloni, the state recorded 74 positive results from 531 samples on November 26, the number of infections since then suggest both high infection rates and the reality that a new wave of infections is spreading across the state.

“As at Friday, December 11, the state recorded 117 positive cases from 518 samples. This translates to almost one in four samples testing positive.

“Government had expected some increase in infections after the reopening of schools, markets, places of worship and recreational centres. But the figures easily outstripped our estimates. While infections cut across age groups, this new wave especially affects those aged between 10 and 35. (55%). If the spread continues at the current rate, it may challenge and overwhelm the health system despite our efforts to improve the resilience of that sector,’’ she said.

The Commissioner appealed to the people of Kaduna state to observe Covid-19 preventive protocols in order to protect themselves and their families from infection. She said this is the less costly way out as it “involves citizens living their lives and conducting themselves in ways that do not spread the disease. That way, lives and livelihoods are protected while public health officers try to contain and manage the disease without causing painful disruptions.”

The commissioner urged all citizens to adopt the spirit of the forward campaign, which “is basically encouraging everyone to follow the stipulated guidelines by authorities in the healthcare sector.’’

The forward campaign entails wearing facemasks always, observing physical distancing and maintaining a proper respiratory hygiene, washing hands with soap under running water and or using hand sanitisers, avoiding large gatherings, remaining indoors when there is no need to be outdoors as well as including eating balanced meals to boost immunity.

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