By KATO P. LADAN, Kaduna
While urging the general public to remain calm and ensure proper hygiene, the Kaduna State Government has informed that it is monitoring three returnees who are in self isolation, following suspicion of the CoronaVirus also known as COVlD-19.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Amina Mohammed Baloni, made available on March 21, 2020.
“The Ministry is monitoring three persons who have recently returned from travel to the UK, and Egypt who are in self isolation but are asymptomatic,” it stated.
In the Official Statement on Kaduna State COVID-19 Response, the Commissioner said that followingthe report of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Nigeria on 27th February 2020, an Emergency Operations Committee (EOC), comprising of all relevant stakeholders, was set up on February 28, 2020, chaired by the Commissioner of Health, the EOC is responsible for coordinating the state’s preparedness for Covid-19.
“So far, the committee has developed a preparedness plan and has undertaken an assessment
of the Infectious Discase Control Centre (IDCC), and is ready to receive patients.
“The Kaduna State Emergency Operations Committee meets twice weekly to review progress
of the plan. Other steps taken inelude:
• Health workers have been trained following the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Case Management Protocols.
“This training is being cascaded to frontline health workers with the support of WHO and other partners;
The Commissioner 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,” it stated.
The Ministry of Health urged all Kaduna residents to stay calm and ensure they observe the prevention steps that are being publicised on all credible media.
“These include:
• Hand-washing: 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;
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth:
• Practice respiratory hygiene by covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing and disposc of the tissue immediately in a covered bin or
cough into your elbow”
It advised all travellers from affected countries to 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,” it assured
