Borno Imposes Lockdown As State Records 9 COVID-19 Cases, One Death

Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur on Wednesday, disclosed that a total of 64 tests have so far been carried out on persons believed to have had contacts with the state’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) index case.

Kadafur, who is also Chairman of COVID-19 response team, said 50 persons have tested negative, while 9 tests were positive.

He disclosed this on Wednesday during a media update on COVID-19 held in Maiduguri.

According to him, 5 results were being awaited from the 64 tests carried out, while 11 additional samples have been collected from Pulka where the index case emanated from, adding that the samples would be sent for testing.

The nine positive cases, he noted, have been captured by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in its national update released on Tuesday night.

The deputy governor, said one infected person had died.

The deceased was transferred from Biu to Maiduguri, and had tested positive in Gombe, after his return from Lagos.

“Although he died at an isolation centre in Maiduguri, his death will remain under Gombe at NCDC’s update since he was tested there. The deceased died at the age 41. He was said to have been hit hard by the infection before he was moved to the centre.”

The deputy governor noted that a total of 144 persons have been identified and traced by surveillance team.

Meanwhile, the 14 days state wide lockdown imposed by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has commenced from 10:30pm tonight, Wednesday.

The state number two man said security officials would enforce the lockdown by using lawful means to restrict all movements.

He said exemptions would only be granted to persons on essential duties.

Furthermore, he called on citizens not to stigmatize persons infected with Covid-19 or their families, noting that such stigmatization would heighten resistance of patients from being moved to government isolation and treatment centres.

On his part, Information Commissioner, Babakura Abba Jato in his comments, announced that coalition of civil societies in the state has set up a situation room as part of it’s contributions.

Abba Jato announced emergency phone numbers: 09072127272 and 09068685158 through which citizens could make contacts on medical issues relating to Covid-19.