From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh,Kano
Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Thursday inaugurated a seven-man Kano COVID-19 Professional Support Group, saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the wave of the virus in the state.
Ganduje said the Committee members made up of professionals from different background are sons and daughters of Kano state who willingly volunteered themselves to help fight the spread of Corona Virus in the state.
He stated that, “as professionals, in order to give their own contribution, they decided to form a group. We thank them, we appreciate them for coming forward to contribute to the development of Kano state.
According to him, the COVID-19 has become a reality which has infected almost all parts of the world, disrupting social and economic activities.
Ganduje listed part of their Terms of Reference to include regular monitor of COVID-19 situation in the state in order to advise government, develop advocay and communication strategies, laise with other stakeholders, groups for massive advocacy and social mobilization against COVID-19 pandemic, counter misinfomation, as well as working in close collaboration with Kano COVID-19 Task Force Committee, among others.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the state Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Tijjani Hussain said Kano has so far registered 139 confirmed cases of COVID-19, recorded five deaths, and have collected 1036 samples since the outbreak.
He added that the Committee followed up 239 contacts as at Wednesday, adding that, “we will continue to engage in contact tracing, we will continue to do social mobilization so that our people can be enlightened.”
He said Kano will soon receive a Mobile Testing laboratory, “I call on people to stop stigmatization of COVID-19 patients.The public should adhere to directives given by health officials, avoid social gathering and wash their hands regularly.”
The chairman of COVID-19 Task Force Committee, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna who is the Deputy Governor of the state advised the public to form the habit of regular wearing of face-mask, adding that the state government will soon make it compulsory.
He said the state government is making plans to build more Isolation Centres considering the rising number if those who are infected.
According to him, most of the patients are responding to treatment, stating that very soon, some of the patients will be discharged.
