The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has raised an alarm on the rising rate of Covid-19 infection in the state and appealed for urgent action by residents to help stop the spread of the disease and save lives.
The State Commissioner for health, Dr. Amina Mohammed- Baloni at a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday said the state is now recording high infection figures reminiscent of the first wave of Covid-19 spread in April, May and June 2020.
She noted that if the increase in the infection rate continues the Ministry as the lead agency in the state would have no choice but to recommend the temporary closure of public spaces, including schools, markets, offices and places of worship.
” The lowering of the infection rate following the first wave encouraged the government to approve the recommendation of the State Covid-19 Task Force for a significant reopening of the state.”
” However, we are saddened to report that the conditions that compelled the 75day lockdown of the state are now being replicated. “
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The Commissioner said the State had recorded 74 positive results from 531 samples on 26th of November and the quantum of infection has been on the rise since then.
She noted that as at December 11th, the state recorded 117 positive cases from 518 samples. (This translates to almost one in four samples testing positive)
She said, ” The Ministry of Health expected some increase in infections after the reopening of schools, markets, places of worship and recreational centres. But the figures easily outstrip our estimates. While infections cut across age groups, this new wave especially affects those aged between 10 and 35. (55%)” .
” There is now a veritable danger to lives and livelihoods with the renewed Covid-19 infections. If the spread continues at the current rate, it may challenge and overwhelm the health system despite our efforts to improve the resilience of that sector.”
The Commissioner appealed to the people to help contained the spread of the second wave by adhering to all preventive measures including wearing of facemasks, social distancing, respiratory hygiene , avoiding large crowd and staying indoor if there’s no need to be outside.
