Two persons in police barracks, four returnees among latest COVID-19 cases in Kaduna

The Kaduna government says two contacts of a policeman resident in the barracks, and four persons with travel history, are among the latest COVID-19 cases recorded in the state.

Residents have also been asked to report anyone involved in inter-state travel.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recorded seven new cases for Kaduna on May 7, 2020.

With 92 cases, Kaduna currently ranks as the ninth state with the highest number of confirmed cases in the country.

In a statement on Friday, Muyiwa Adekeye, the governor’s special adviser on media and communication, gave a breakdown of the new cases and expressed concern over non-compliance with the ban on inter-state travel.

He said many COVID-19 cases in the state have travel history and inter-state movement is contributing to the spread of the virus in the state.

Adekeye mentioned that the movement has increased the danger of community transmission, as infections have “now been recorded in some mainly rural local governments on the borders of the state.”

He said the state government is working with the leadership of various security agencies to ensure that security officers act professionally in ensuring compliance with the directives.

“The latest cases include four persons with travel history outside the state, a senior citizen who received many visitors at home and two persons in the police barracks who are contacts of one of the policemen who tested positive,” the statement read.

“Positive COVID-19 test results have been recorded from seven local government areas: Giwa, Igabi, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Makarfi, Soba and Zaria.

“Many citizens of Kaduna State have endured inconveniences and consistently complied with the restriction of movement, including the prohibition of non-essential interstate movement.

“These sacrifices are being jeopardised by the actions of persons who violate the Quarantine Orders, and the misconduct of some law enforcement officers that have facilitated and indulged this grossly irresponsible pattern of interstate travel.

“The state government continues to engage the leadership of the concerned agencies on these dangerous lapses, given its consistent support for the security agencies posted to the state.

“The Standing Committee appeals to the vast majority of law-abiding citizens to continue to expose and report persons engaged in interstate travel or who sneak into their communities.

“All citizens should please consistently exercise the personal responsibility and compliance with health protocols that have been outlined to help beat COVID-19.”

As of Thursday, Nigeria had recorded 3,526 confirmed cases of COVID-19, out of which 601 patients have been discharged while 107 persons have died.