Kogi: We tested 111 residents for COVID-19 — but they were negative

The Kogi state government says it tested 111 residents for COVID-19 but that the tests returned negative.

During an interview in Lokoja, the state capital, Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information and communication strategy, said the tests were conducted using guidelines of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

He said the state procured about 5,000 testing kits, saying those residents who were tested were randomly selected.

“Kogi state got testing kits independently but followed NCDC guidelines. One hundred and eleven COID-19 rapid tests were conducted in Kogi state yesterday and all results came out negative,” Fanwo said.

“”We brought in about 5,000 testing kits. Testing centers are located in three places. You can do it at the ministry of health.

“We shall not go to streets to pick people to be tested for COVID-19, but hospitals where people with similar symptoms are found and also based on any information of suspected cases.”

Kogi and Cross River are the two states yet to confirm a single case of the disease in the country.

The Kogi state government had alleged that there are attempts to declare fake COVID-19 cases in the state.

When a delegation from the NCDC visited the state on Thursday night, Yahaya Bello, the governor, asked the team to go on 14-day isolation or leave the state immediately. The team then returned to Abuja.

The NCDC said since the government rejected its help in ascertaining the COVID-19 situation in the state, the agency can only offer further assistance when it is needed.