22 health workers test positive for COVID-19

Four physiotherapists and 18 nurses have tested positive for COVID-19 in four states.

The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) says four of its members tested positive for COVID-19 in Bauchi, Kano, Lagos and Jigawa states, while the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) said 18 nurses have been confirmed positive in Kano.

The association said it lost one of its members in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital, as a result of COVID-19 complications.

Rufai Ahmad, NSP national president, told reporters in Kano on Wednesday that the four members who tested positive contracted the virus while discharging their duties.

“The first incident, as confirmed by our source, was reported in Bauchi; the second incident occurred in Kano, while the third and the fourth in Lagos and Jigawa states respectively,” he said.

He said at least 16 physiotherapists who came in contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19 have gone into self-isolation.

According to him, the occupational hazard which frontline health workers are exposed to “is being brought to fore in the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic”.

“The number of health professionals that have contracted the novel coronavirus keeps surging so there is a need to do more to protect them,” he said.

Ahmad called on governments at all levels as well as private healthcare facilities to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPEs) for health workers.

“Physiotherapists will continue to discharge their responsibilities in ensuring that patients receive the best care and return to function and independence, as much as achievable,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Maikarfi Muhammad, chairman of the Kano branch of the NANNM, told reporters on Wednesday in Kano that 86 samples of nurses were taken and results of 18 have indicated that they tested positive.

He said nine of them are from the National Orthopedic Hospital, Dala, seven from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and two from state hospitals.

Muhammad appealed to the government to provide health professionals with personal protective equipment for them to conveniently discharge their responsibility.

“Our members need to be protected as they are ready to support the fight against COVID-19, considering that we are in the forefront of the fight,” said Maikarfi.