From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Even though three rumoured cases of COVID-19 were attended to and confirmed negative in Kano state, the state has remained free from the dreaded virus which has continued to ravage the world.
The state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa who stated this in a joint Press Conference with the Commissioner of Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, in his office on Wednesday, said necessary sensitization measures are being put in place to ensure that Corona Virus does not infiltrate Kano.
He also told journalists that Kano has already won the war against Lassa Fever as all patients who were taken to the Isolation Centre at Yar-gaya have all been treated and discharged.
According to him, the state government has taken the campaign against Corona Virus to all public institutions including schools, markets, places of worship, motor parks, airports and entry points across the state.
He also revealed that Ministries, paratatals and other government agencies across the state are also taken precautionary measures to screen visitors as equipment are provided to test visitors’ temperature, as well as ensuring that they wash their hands with sap and water.
Tsanyawa added that the Ministry has also continued to hold a series of meetings with stakeholders, including the business community and market leaders, sensitizing them on the need for self-protection.
He said the sensitizatiion campaign has been paying off, as most traders now provide soap and water for their customers before transacting business with them.
He listed other measures taken to ensure that Kano is Coronavirus-free to include conduct of State Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee Meeting, development of Incident Action Plan, activation of Rapid Response Team (RRT), re-activation of the Yar-gaya treatment centre.
He further stated that, “moreover, Kano state government has further intensified COVID-19 surveillance in the state through engagement of traditional and religious institutions, training of health personnel in tertiary, secondary and primary healthcare facilities.
“Sensitization of traditional leaders, KAROTA, NATO, NURTW and organized private sector, production and airing of jingles, production and distribution of IEC materials, as well as, responding to rumoured COVID-19 suspected cases on daily basis, among other measures.”
He called on Kano residents to disregard mere allegation and rumours on COVID-19, while commending Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for providing all necessary support and resources to contend with the fight against the deadly Corona Virus.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, urged residents to ensure regular and thorough hand washing with soap and running water, observe proper coughing/sneezing etiquettes, cover mouth and nose with handkerchief or tissue and disposed immediately after use.
He added that residents should maintain at least two metres distance between anyone who sneezes or coughs, avoid overcrowding, avoid travelling to countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19 especially during the period of fasting and festivities.
The Commssioner also advised residents to avoid contact with suspected or confirmed cases or items soiled by affected persons, while promising that Kano state government will continue to take proactive measures to ensure that COVID-19 do not find its way into the most populous commercial state in the country.
