Kaduna discharges fifth COVID-19 patient

The Kaduna ministry of health says one COVID-19 patient has recovered and has been discharged in the state.

Amina Mohammed-Baloni, commissioner for health in the state, said the number of patients who have now been discharged is five.

Mohammed-Baloni said three new cases of the disease have also been confirmed in the state, bringing the total number of active cases to four.

The commissioner said among the confirmed cases is a 23-year-old male “who came into the state from Istanbul via Dubai sometime in March”.

“The second patient is a 51-year- old male who was tested in Samaru, Sabon-Gari local government area, after coming in from Kano,” she said.

She added that the third patient, a 42-year old male from Unguwan Geza, Kaduna, had travelled to Kano too.

“These new cases reflect the danger that interstate travels pose to efforts to contain COVID-19,” she said.

“Such travels spread the virus from place to place, complicate contact tracing and risk implanting the virus in communities.”

She said the decision to lock down the state is based on the logic that during a pandemic “the less contact there is with others, the safer everyone is”.

She warned residents to avoid interstate travels and to promptly report to the authorities any person who has recently travelled from an affected state and develops symptoms of cough, fever or sore throat.

The commissioner reiterated the importance of hand-washing, personal hygiene, social distancing and the avoidance of large gatherings in helping to protect against the disease.

She said: “Such reports can be made to the COVID -19 call centre in the state, on the following numbers: 08051217710, 09058008251, 08118588175, 08118588176 and 09032102632.”

“It is important to stay home, stay safe and save lives.”