Another WHO staff member tests positive for COVID-19 in Bauchi

Another staff member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Bauchi state has contracted coronavirus.

The development comes 48 hours after an official of the global health body, who had come into Bauchi from Kano, tested positive for the disease.

Addressing reporters after a meeting on measures to tackle COVID-19, Bala Mohammed, the governor, said the WHO official is the eighth coronavirus case in the state.

He said despite the coronavirus threat, total lockdown is not feasible in the state.

“After a thorough discussion with all stakeholders of Bauchi, we have thoroughly discussed the problems and challenges on the prevalence of the COVID-19 in Bauchi,” he said.

“We have also taken cognizance of the fact that Ramadan is approaching, and the majority of the people have always considered this moment as period of worship.

“And looking at all the decisions taken by the Jamaatul Nasirul Islam, and opinions expressed by our emirs, our ulamas, we came to the conclusion that the committee on COVID-19 in Bauchi will sit down with a cross-section of jlama and clergymen to come out with clear guidelines on a partial lockdown on Bauchi State.

“This is being considered because we have a resurgence with what is happening in Kano, our neighbours and even here in Bauchi.

“Even as we are meeting, I understand that there is another case that has been mentioned that has been found to be positive among the WHO staff – and now we have three active cases.”