Just in: Third person tests positive for COVID-19 in Bauchi

Bauchi State government has disclosed that another case of Coronavirus has been recorded in the state, bringing the total number of persons with the disease in the state to three.

The Chairman of the State Outbreak Response Committee on Lassa fever and COVID-19, Senator Baba Tela, while briefing journalists in Bayara General Hospital, one of the selected isolation centres on Tuesday at the Bayara General hospital, said the third index is a 55 years old man.

He added the state has so far carried out 100 tests of those that were in contact with the first two index persons.

Baba Tela, who doubles as the Deputy Governor of the state, noted that of the 100 samples tested, three have been found positive while others were confirmed negative.

“It is sad to let you know that we now have a third case of infection. Now we have three cases in all, two of which by the grace of God will soon be discharged because they have spent about one week or so without any sign or symptom of the virus in them,” the deputy governor said.

He said that the committee under his chairmanship is currently contacting and tracing the contacts of the third index person so that they can be able to test them also.

“That’s why we are calling on the people to please obey the instructions of government, obey the instructions of the security agencies, obey the instructions of the health personnel, maintain that social distancing that is required and ensure frequent hand washing,” he cautioned.

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The Chairman of the committee, who disclosed that Bayara General Hospital in the state capital which was selected as the main isolation for persons with confirmed cases if found, has about 150 beds.

According to him, other isolation centres include the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital with 80 beds as well as a number of beds at the state owned specialist hospital and that of Federal Medical Centre in Azare.