’85 cases in 10 days’ — Kano task force expresses concern over increasing COVID-19 infections

The Kano task force on COVID-19 has expressed concern over the recent increase in the number of infections across the state.

According to figures from the Kano ministry of health, more than 80 cases were recorded between December 1 and December 10.

Tijjani Hussaini, chairman of the state task force on COVID-19, disclosed this at a press briefing in Kano on Friday.

Hussaini, who noted that the state recorded 85 cases within the first 10 days of December, described the situation as alarming and called for more efforts on creating awareness regarding adherence to safety protocols.

“Comparing the cases we recorded from September 1 to November 30 where we recorded only 71 cases, the recent cases we recorded within 10 days is alarming,” the task force chairman said.

“In just a single day in December, we recorded 21 cases of COVID-19 positive. This is a clear indication that the cases are increasing.”

In his address, Aminu Tsanyawa, the state commissioner for health, described the development as “disturbing”, and added that a significant percentage of the recent cases are symptomatic.

“We are doing everything possible to control the spread of the disease again,” he said.

Between April and May, there had been concerns over increasing deaths in Kano, some of which were linked to COVID-19.

Following the spike, President Muhammadu Buhari had declared a lockdown in the state, after which the cases began to drop gradually, according to data released by the Kano ministry of health.

Speaking on the COVID-19 situation in the state, the commissioner said significant success had been recorded in the fight against COVID-19 in Kano, and all frontline health workers deserve commendation for their sacrifice and commitment.

He credited the success of the fight to the state government’s commitment towards ensuring proper sensitisation of the public on safety measures to limit the spread of the virus.

As of December 10, 2020, Kano has conducted 54,915 tests, out of which 1,874 samples were confirmed positive for COVID-19.

Meanwhile 56 deaths and 1,717 recoveries have also been recorded in the state.