Sixty percent of 979 deaths in Kano linked to COVID-19 – PTF

…Says majority of Nigerians susceptible to the disease

…Increases number of laboratories from 2 to 30

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has revealed that about 60 per cent of the 979 deaths reported in Kano State may have been triggered by coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who disclosed this at the briefing of the PTF on COVID-19 which held in Abuja on Monday, said that the figure was the outcome of an investigation carried out by the Federal Government to unravel the circumstances that led to the death of hundreds of residents in Kano.

The minister said that the deaths were reported in April from eight municipal local government areas of the state.

According to him, the initial figure was 43 deaths per day at the peak before it settled at the rate of 11 deaths per day, weeks later.

Ehanire revealed that about 56 per cent of the deaths were recorded at home and 38 per cent were confirmed in the hospital.

He added that investigation indicated that between 50 to 60 per cent of the deaths were as a result of COVID-19 in the face of pre-existing health challenges.

He added that most of the victims were aged above 65, saying a majority died due to their inability to access routine healthcare at the time.

He added that the number of laboratories in the COVID-19 network has increased from 2 to 30 – with a laboratory in every geopolitical zone in the country, providing increased access to testing.

“Over 80,000 tests have been conducted in the country.

“Over 13,000 health workers have been trained, increasing the human resource available for case management.

“More personal protective equipment and ventilators have been procured and prepositioned across the country”, the minister added.

The minister appealed to Nigerians to continue to wear face masks at all times in the public as it is a valuable safety precaution against the disease.

Ehanire also urged Nigerians to observe respiratory hygiene, wash their hands regularly, use sanitisers, and adhere to physical distancing.

Earlier, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the PTF, Mr. Boss Mustapha, warned that a majority of Nigerians are still at risk of contracting the virus.

Bayelsa gov’ship poll: INEC, Diri close case without calling witness

Mustapha, however, charged all citizens to play their role in ensuring that the disease did not transmit easily by observing the guidelines and advisories so far provided to prevent transmission, noting that failure to prevent wide transmission would be deadly for the population.

“The PTF wishes to emphasise that a great majority of Nigerians are still susceptible to COVID-19, and if we allow it to transmit easily between us, it may be even more deadly.

“If everyone diligently observes the guidelines, we can collectively control the spread of the virus, and help to protect our health facilities as well as save lives”, he warned.

With regards to the reopening of worship centres across states over the last weekend, the SGF pointed out the need for religious leaders to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the PTF and the various modifications introduced by states, by guiding worshippers in their folds to take responsibility.

He said: “Over the last weekend, the ease of restriction on places of worship came into focus and that it is important to note that the guidelines gave states the latitude and the opportunity to negotiate protocols that meet their peculiarities.

“We therefore urge our religious leaders and the entire populace to adhere to the guidelines issued by the PTF and the protocols agreed by the State Governments. The PTF continues to monitor compliance nationwide”, he said.

He also noted that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed the weaknesses inherent in the nation’s health care systems and the need for urgent attention.

“Within our national setting, the weaknesses inherent in our national health care systems were made glaring and needed urgent attention. Government determined immediately, to take on the lessons and to ensure that the healthcare system experienced tremendous leap in human and infrastructure development as well as policy focus, stability and direction,” he said.

The SGF also said the PTF had commenced the process of introducing mental health services to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, noting that enough priority attention had all along been devoted to the management of the health of victims and their families.

“I am pleased to inform you that PTF has commenced the process of integrating comprehensive psychological services programme into its activities. This will be for the benefit of people who are in isolation, wellbeing of their families and communities.

“In this regard, we wish to recognise the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, FCT for spearheading this drive, which shall inevitably assume a national dimension because of the importance of mental health”, he said.