The Borno state high-powered committee on prevention and control of
coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is to quarantine 99 deceased contacts.
The quarantine of all contacts, are measures to prevent further spread of disease that first killed an aid worker last Saturday in Maiduguri.
The Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur, who doubles Chairman of Borno
COVID-19 response committee; disclosed this Monday in Maiduguri; while
confirming the first coronavirus disease.
According to him, Thirty five contacts were traced at Pulka, a border
community with Cameroon, while 64 in Maiduguri metropolis.
His words: “I hereby announce to the general public that one case of
COVID-19 disease was confirmed in Maiduguri on Sunday, April 19, 2020.
“He was a 56-year old citizen of Borno who was brought in from Pulka
with symptoms of severe respiratory disease.
“He was managed at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital
(UMTH), but unfortunately he succumbed to the disease.”
He noted that nasal swab specimen was collected from the body, which
was tested positive for neo-corona virus disease at the COVID-19
reference laboratories of hospital and validated by NCDC.
He said the remains of the body have been buried in line with standard
protocols for disposal of infectious bodies.
“The Organisation he had worked for in Pulka have been directed to
provide line list, profile and quarantine all his contacts,” he said,
adding that the list of contacts be submitted to the committee for
action.
Meanwhile, a team of surveillance and case management has already been
deployed to Pulka for further investigation and sample collection.
“COVID-19 disease is real and no nation or its citizens are immune.”
he warned, stressing that people need to demonstrate strict adherence
to well documented measures and advises to reduce spread of disease.
He added: “People are advised to wash their hands with soap and water
regularly; avoid crowds and report any sick person to the health
workers, and continue to use hand sanitizers.”
He said the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre for COVID-19 will
be also be activated.
