Fears have started mounting in Kano state as the state has recorded 85 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 10 days.
The Kano state Commissioner for Health, Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, who announced this latest development on Friday expressed concern at the alarming surge.
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According to the Commissioner, 25 per cent of the new cases were severe, triggering panic and fears among residents of Kano state.
The news of the dramatic and unexpected surge in the number of cases from tested samples of COVID-19 is aid to be causing serious apprehension in many quarters in the state.
Kano State Chairman of COVID-19 Technical Taskforce, Dr. Tijjani Hussaini, said so far about 56 persons had died of Coronavirus since the outbreak of the disease in the state.
“We are seeing increasing number of COVID-19 cases. There is a dramatic 85 new positive cases recorded in 10 days.
“In previous three months, we recorded only 71 cases; in the last 10 days, we have 85 cases. For us, this is alarming!
“Only yesterday (Thursday), we had 21 cases (14 per cent) in one day. Looking at the number of positive samples within a space of one week, it means the positive cases have risen drastically.
“It means COVID-19 is becoming more within our community. The positivity graph rose sharply in the months of November and December.
“Technical experts observed there is poor compliance with protocols; walking without face mask; no social distancing; people not using hand sanitizers, etc,” the task force boss said .
He added: “All event centres, mosques and public transports must comply with the COVID-19 protocols.
“There must be collaboration with healthcare outlets and health workers to ensure synergy between them and the Task Force team.
“This pandemic is still with us. Though vaccine has been approved, it will take time for the vaccine to come to Nigeria and be used en mass.”
Similarly, at a press conference in Government House, Kano, the state Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said Kano would return to the drawing board since the virus has resurfaced in the state.
He said: “Indeed, we are back to the drawing board because the virus is back. All along, we had thought the virus was dying and dying daily and would finally die and be buried. But alas, it has recovered and returned.
“The pandemic is much around in the entire country and is increasing. The case in Kano is worrisome. But I have trust we shall be able to win the battle in the state.”.
Ganduje added that “the laboratories are still alive. We shall ensure the workers are there with drugs to administer to patients.”
He said: “Because the virus was down, we had to reduce volunteer workers. But now that the curve of the pandemic has risen, we are returning to the drawing board to invite nurses, NGOs, development partners and all stakeholders so that we are on the same page to take this fight to the community level.
“No doubt, the issue in Kano is that of negligence to protocols. We have to reinforce compliance, especially wearing of face mask.
“Drivers, market people, health workers and religious and traditional leaders must show example to encourage others.”
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