The number of positive Covid-19 cases in Borno state has risen to 15 after additional tests were carried out on traced persons of interest. However, the deaths toll remains two (the index case,a 56 year old and another 36 year old in the state’s record).
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Salisu Kwayabura announced these at Friday’s daily update by the high powered response team for prevention and control of Covid-19 in Borno state, held at the multipurpose hall of the government house in Maiduguri.
“Three confirmed cases have been identified, bringing the total confirmed cases to 15” the Commissioner
Out of these confirmed cases, Dr. Kwayabura said, 5 were receiving treatment at the Brigadier General Abba Kyari Memorial Hospital, while 7 were at an Isolation Centre in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for supportive treatments with all in stable conditions.
The commissioner also said, as it is, 145 contacts have been traced and put under surveillance but none of them have manifested any symptoms of Covid-19.
Furthermore he said, “we have an alert from Dikwa, four mobile ambulances were deployed and have brought three suspects to Maiduguri for necessary action. Likewise, the suspected case who led the burial ceremony of the first index case, and resides at the Bakassi Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, has been traced and tested positive to the virus.
Speaking on Pulka where the first index case emerged, Dr. Kwayabura said, “a total of 17 samples have been taken and submitted for test at the UMTH.”
Response team faults 3 imams for holding Friday prayers
The response team on Friday, frowned at three Imams who in violation of the lockdown, held congregational Friday prayers which exposed worshippers to risks of spreading Covid-19.
Borno State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, who is member of the State’s High Powered Response Team, Babakura Abba Jatau said during the briefing, that three Islamic Scholars (names withheld) who violated have been reported to Shehu of Borno and the Chief Imam preparatory to other punitive measures to be adopted.
”It is disheartening to tell you that three Islamic Scholars (names withheld) today violated the total lockdown rules by conducting Juma’at prayers in their respective mosques in the metropolis.
“The violators have been fished out and would definitely face the full wrath of the law.
Bread, kosai, iced block, pure water sellers free to operate from 4pm
As part of continued review of lockdown measures, the high powered response team has announced that a window of 4pm has been allowed for sellers of bread, sachet water, iced blocks and local foods – kosai, masa and shayi, to meet the needs of fasting citizens who may need food for iftar.
He said the response team will continue to monitor developments and make adjustments where necessary.
