From SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Borno State recorded another death as a result of complications from Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the number of deaths to three.
The state Commissioner of Health, Dr Aliyu Salihu Kwaya Bura, disclosed this in Maiduguri on Saturday while giving journalists an update situation on the COVID-19 disease in the state.
The commissioner, who doubles as the Secretary of the state’s High Powered Committee for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19, also said that the total number of persons infected with the virus in Borno state still remains 15, based on the outcome of the results so far received.
He added that out of the 15 persons tested positive, 12 of weree from the contacts of the index case while three were from other sources or public alerts where seven of them are presently responding to treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) Isolation Centre while the remaining five are at Abba Kyari Isoalation Centre Bolori.
According to him, all the 17 samples obtained from Pulka and sent to NCDC returned negative while the remaining 35 individuals quarantined are still being closely monitored .
He further explained that so far 50 alerts have been received i by the committee from the public where five alerts were received today (saturday) and two alerts yesterday, friday. Investigations by Surveillance Team wer carried out and samples were also taken and still being awaited.
Dr. Kwaya Bura noted also that the committee has increased surveillance within the state capital and it’s environs upto Mafa and Banki Bornoder town as well as other border communities to control the spread of Covid-19 in the state.
He revealed that with the efforts of secuirty agents , the committee presently has about 150 persons quarantined in Banki border town who are in their 10th day now to ascertain their status before they will be allowed into the country.
The commissioner also said that Maiduguri Hajj Camp is being used as a quarantine facility for all new entrants into Maiduguri while soliciting for further cooperation and understanding of the public with the committee to ensure the state is safe from further infections.
He added that the Committee has increased the capacity of surveillance team in order to ensure that every part of the state is covered all the state.
Dr. Kwaya Bura said following the relaxation if the lockdown on Mondays and Thursdays,, the committee has increased measures to safegaurd the people by way of providing face mask for the people who will be entering the markets to buy foodstuff.
He said similarly, hand washing points for people going into the market and coming to wash their hands properly which be provided at the entry and exit points of markets.
Dr Kwaya Bura further appealed to the people to maintain social distancing and ensure they wash their hands properly before entering the markets and when leaving the markets.
Commissioner for Transport, Hon Abuabakr Tijani said the committee has proposed a meeting with all the local transport union leaders including KeKe NAPEP to remind them that the previous order still stands on number of passengers to be taken to maintain social distancing.
While the State Commissioner of Water Resources, Alhaji Tijani Gini said that the Committee has been visiting and monitoring sources of water within the metropolis and it’s environs to ensure social distancing and hand washing at boreholes, pure water producers and Mai Moya places.
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