Deputy Governor of Kaduna State has said that health officials have taken proactive measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus since the first case was recorded in Lagos State on February 27, by setting up an Emergency Operation Centre (EOC).
The Deputy Governor further disclosed that she and officials of the Ministry of Health met with Development Partners and started a series of activities to protect the people of Kaduna State from the disease.
Dr Hadiza Balarabe further said that the State Government sent a medical team to the airport, train stations and motor parks to test passengers who were coming into Kaduna.
According to her, the team generally took the passengers’ body temperatures at the airport and looked out for early symptoms of Coronavirus disease.
‘’At the motor parks and train stations, our teams gave out fliers and handbills, detailing symptoms of the disease and what to do to prevent the spread of Coronavirus,’’ the Deputy Governor said.
Dr Balarabe also said that health officials have been embarking on sensitisation campaign in the media, advising residents to adhere to simple hygiene by washing their hands regularly with soap and in running water or with hand sanitizers.
‘’People are also advised to cough or sneeze in a tissue paper or handkerchiefs and dispose them properly after use,’’ the Deputy Governor further said, adding that ‘’those that don’t have handkerchiefs or tissue papers should sneeze or cough into the sleeve of a bent elbow.’’
According to her, the Infectious Disease Control Centre(IDCC) and public hospitals in Kaduna State have been stocked with drugs and medical consumables.
The Deputy Governor further said that Doctors and health workers have been fully briefed on what to do in case of an emergency.
Dr Balarabe said that although there has been no recorded case of Coronavirus in Kaduna State, health officials are nonetheless on red alert. She warned that there is still no known cure for the disease but hospitals can give palliatives to treat symptoms like cough and fever.