Kano Deaths Not Related To Coronavirus – Information Commissioner

The Kano State government says the recent deaths in the state are not connected to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The government however, said Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had already directed the state Ministry of Health to conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the deaths.

Commissioner for Information in the state, Muhammad Garba, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday in Kano, said although investigation into the cause of the deaths was still ongoing, preliminary report from the state Ministry of Health indicated that the deaths were not connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Garba noted that reports have shown that most of the deaths were caused by complications arising from hypertension, diabetes, meningitis and acute malaria.

He disclosed that Governor Ganduje was waiting for the final report from the health ministry so as to take necessary actions.

“Governor Ganduje’s administration has been commended from within and outside the state over the proactive measures it took towards curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This explains why Kano, apart from being the most populous state, did not record a case of the pandemic until lately.

“Though we agree that the situation on hand currently is serious, we are not resting on our oars in taking appropriate measures to ensure that the good people of Kano state, and indeed, residents in the state protect themselves from the novel COVID-19 pandemic,” he stated.

Garba noted that part of measures taken by the government to stop the spread of the virus include the on-going lockdown, closing of borders, aggressive campaign for social distancing, washing of hands as well as strict adherence to and practice of the principles of personal hygiene.

He added that the government, through the Kano COVID-19 Fund-Raising Committee, has been making palliatives available to the most vulnerable and the needy in the society.

Garba said, “the state government has three modern Isolation Centres where those tested positive to COVID-19 are being cared for. We are also hopeful of getting additional two Isolation Centres soonest. The government has also hired a hotel where suspected cases are accommodated.

“Also, Kano State government is collaborating with​ Bayero University Kano (BUK) to establish a testing centre within the institution, which will be ready in two weeks time after being certified by the NCDC. This will, indeed, enhance our determination to ensure that every suspected cases undergo test.

“Governor Ganduje has also sent a passionate appeal to the federal government to urgently work on the NCDC testing centre at AKTH which has been closed down for sometime now.

“We have enough medical manpower that can take care of the patients. What we are now asking for is financial assistance from the Federal Government and other donors to help sustain all this infrastructure and also continue the provision of palliatives to our people.”

He noted that, “the state government is concerned over what is happening. The Ministry of Health is already handling the situation. When they are through with the medical investigation, further necessary actions will be taken.

“I urge the good people of Kano State not to panic. Government is on top of the situation. The mystery or whatever it is will soon be unravelled.”

Reports indicated that about 190 people have died in the state.

The deaths were reported in areas like Zage, Kano Municipal, Tarauni, Gwale, Kurna, Dala, Chiromawa, Zango, Kofar Mata, Fagge, Kumbotso, and some local government areas outside the metropolis like Bichi, Kunchi, Wudil, Gwarzo and Shanono among other areas.