The Borno COVID-19 response team; has said that testing capacity for
coronavirus, is being increased with additional testing centres at
Umaru Shehu Hospital and University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID).
Response team Secretary, Dr. Salihu Kwayabura, who doubles as State’s
Health Commissioner disclosed this Tuesday at a daily media update on
COVID-19.
He said that the increased testing capacity to 1,000; was to contain
community spread of the coronavirus disease.
“This response team; is scaling up 1,000 COVID-19 tests per day with
the establishment of new testing centre at Umoru Shehu Hospital,” he
said.
Speaking on additional testing centres, he said: “The state is
considering bringing on board a center in the University of Maiduguri.
“It has come to our notice that; there is part of the desired testing
equipment in the Department of Microbiology that could be put to use.
“We’re exploring all possible avenues to put to use; so that we can
increase our testing capacity to 1,000 a day.
“This is the only way we will know how well we are doing overcome the
challenges of contracting the virus in various communities.”
While reviewing COVID-19 death toll, he said: “The state has recorded
another three deaths between Monday and Tuesday bringing the death
toll,” confirming 41 people died from the disease.
He said the response team; is currently following up 230 different
individuals who had contact with the confirmed cases.
