The World Health Orgainsation (WHO); has said that 22 coronavirus
(COVID-19) confirmed cases were recorded in Northeast states of Borno,
Adamawa and Yobe.
The highest single day rise of COVID-19 cases in region, were recorded
in first week of June this year.
WHO disclosed this in its weekly report released on Monday to
journalists in Maiduguri, the state capital
“We’re raising concerns over the possible spread of COVID-19 pandemic
into the 24 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs),” said the report,
noting that the single highest rise of 22 cases; were recorded in
first week of this month.
According to WHO report: “The highest cases were reported on June 4,
and it the worst day across the three states currently wrecked by
decade long Boko Haram insurgency that claimed many lives and
property.
“With 22 cases a day on June 4, 2020; remains the worst day across
Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States since the index case of COVID-19 was
confirmed in the state on April 19, 2020.”
It said that the pandemic shoot up in the three states with 49 cases
from May 29 to June 4, representing 14 percent increase compared to 12
per cent in the early weeks of last month.
According to the report; a total of 394 confirmed cases of COVID-19
have been reported in the three states with Borno having 358 cases and
20 deaths.
While Adamawa state; recorded 38 with Yobe of 49 cases.
It said that Borno accounts for 76 percent of all confirmed cases of
coronavirus in Northeast.
WHO in its report further disclosed that; “About 2, 219 samples were
collected within the week for COVID-19 test,” indicating an increase
of 51 per cent over the previous samples of 1, 473.
The global health agency; said that over 900, 000 people have been
reached with messages on social media to de-stigmatize contracting the
virus.
It also expressed concern over various community spread at the 24
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.
“Borno state recorded eight new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday,
June 8, 2020,” said the report, warning that the deadly virus is still
spreading in the state.
On preventive measures, Dr. Chima Onuekwe, WHO’s Health Emergency
Communication Officer in Northeast said: “We advise people to keep
washing their hands regularly, use face masks when in public places
and maintain physical distancing.
“This is to stop the virus from being spread into various communities
of five Local Government Areas of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council
(MMC), Jere, Gwoza, Biu and Dikwa.”
