Kaduna discharges one COVID-19 patient

The Kaduna state government says it discharged one of the COVID-19 patients in its infectious disease centre.

The state has six confirmed cases of the disease.

Amina Baloni, the state commissioner for health, who broke the news on Wednesday, said the patient, after treatment, tested negative twice for the disease.

“The patient’s recovery has been confirmed by two consecutive negative results, the second of which came yesterday, Tuesday, 14 April 2020,” she said.

“State government is looking forward to the recovery and discharge of the other five COVID-19 patients in the state.’’

She hailed the dedication of the teams that are contributing to the “collective COVID-19 efforts”.

“We also wish to pay tribute to the medical professionals at the infectious disease centre for the successful management of this patient,” she said.

“The ministry of health wishes to remind residents of Kaduna state that it is safer and cheaper to observe preventive measures than to treat COVID-19. Citizens must wash their hands regularly with soap and water and scrupulously observe social distancing.

“They are also advised to avoid large gatherings and stay at home, except it is absolutely necessary to go out. Wherever they are, they should also practise respiratory hygiene.”

As a measure to curb the spread of the disease, the government placed a ban on movement but later reviewed the lockdown by giving a two-day window every week to enable residents to buy food and other essential commodities.

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, also approved the release of 72 inmates from both the Kaduna and Kafanchan correctional centres.