COVID19:Kaduna,Lagos Government may impose lockdown

By Our Correspondents

Kaduna State government has warned that it may impose another lockdown on the state considering the recent increase in cases of COVID-19 in the state.

The Commissioner of Health, Dr Amina Mohammed-Baloni, gave the warning at a press conference on Saturday in Kaduna.

She said that there had been a rise in cases of the virus in the state lately, adding that if it continued, government would have no option than to impose another lockdown.

Mohammed-Baloni said that public spaces including schools, markets, offices and places of worship may be temporarily closed if people failed to observe COVID-19 preventive protocols.

‘’In absolute and relative terms, Kaduna state is now recording high infection figures, reminiscent of the first wave of COVID-19 spread in April, May and June 2020, ” she said.

The commissioner recalled that ‘’the lowering of the infection rate following the first wave, encouraged the government to approve the recommendation of the State COVID-19 Taskforce for a significant reopening of the state.

“However, we are saddened to report that the conditions that compelled the 75 days lockdown of the state are now being replicated.’’

According to her, 74 COVID-19 positive results were recorded in the state from 531 samples on Nov. 26, adding that the quantum of infections since then, suggested both high infection rate and the reality of a new wave of infection spreading across the state.

 ‘’ As at yesterday (Friday) Dec. 11, the state recorded 117 positive cases from 518 samples. This translates to almost one in four samples testing positive,’’ she said.

The commissioner pointed out that government had expected some increase in infections after the reopening of schools, markets, places of worship and recreational centres.

‘’But the figures easily outstripped our estimates. While infections cut across age groups, this new wave especially affects those aged between 10 and 35. (55 per cent),’’ she said.

She noted that there was now a danger to lives and livelihoods with the renewed COVID-19 infections, adding that ‘’if the spread continues at the current rate, it may challenge and overwhelm the health system despite our efforts to improve the resilience of that sector.’’

Meanwhile there are indications that the Lagos State government may re- impose fresh lockdown in the state following the flagrant abuse of COVID19 protocols by Lagosians.

Eagle Eye Watch reports that with the recent infection of the virus by the Lagos State governor,Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the dreaded coronavirus after being tested positive,there are feelers that this development may trigger the Lagos government to take proactive measures in curtailing the spread of the virus in the state by imposing a lockdown.

There has been an increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases in Nigeria recently. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Friday announced that 796 new cases were recorded in the country.

Nigeria has 72,140 confirmed cases – with 65,722 people treated and discharged and 1,190 COVID-19-related deaths.

NCDC advises Nigerians to adhere to the prescribed protocols and avoid unnecessary gatherings to curb the virus.