PRESS RELEASE

COVID 19: Kebbi Task Force debunks rumours of outbreak .

The Task Force set up by Kebbi State Government for the control of the raging Corona Virus Pandemic ( COVID:19), has debunked the rumors of a suspected case of Corona Virus outbreak in the state.

The Task Force while allying all fears of the general public , also described the unsubstantiated story as hugely false and figment of the imagination of its dastardly, unpatriotic and devilish authors.

It further urged the general public not to panic , as well as totally disregard the rumour being circulated on the outbreak of the dreaded Corona virus in the state

Briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, 25/3/2020, the Commissioner of Health, Alhaji Jafar Muhammed, who is the Chairman of the Task Force, emphasised that, the state has not yet recorded any single case of Covid 19, adding, ” And In sha Allahu, we will NOT record any.”

He said the briefing became necessary following some false social media reports alluding that,a youth Corp member in Birnin Kebbi had contacted the virus , thus, being the maiden case in the State .

Muhammed explained, ” a 27 year old NYSC member that was alleged to have contracted the virus was diagnosed at Federal Medical Center,Birnin Kebhi on the 24th of March,2020 and the result turned out to be Pneumonia, not Covid 19 as was falsely speculated.

He said , “The Corp member was presented from the NYSC camp with a history of fever, cough and body pain at FMC Birnin Kebbi, with no history of travels outside the country or any contact with suspected or confirmed case of Covid 19 in the last two weeks preceding his presentation.

” He has been admitted and managed as a case of Community Acquired Pneumonia of which he has made satisfactory progress and is awaiting discharge.”

Muhammed was however quick to point out that, in view of the prevailing circumstances surrounding his admission, sample of the youth Corp member was taken and the result was being being awaited.

He averred that,the result would be made available in the next few days for proper confirmation, but called on the people to remain calm, admonishing, ” there is no need to be in panic , all our teams are on red alert, routinely and diligently providing all the necessary needed services.

The Commissioner further explained that, the Task Force on the Control of Covid 19 which was wisely and timely set up by the state Govenror , Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, had since swung into action as regards surveillance and rapid response mechanisms, to complement the existing healthcare structures in the state.

He further opined that sub committees have been set up by the Task Force, to fine tune plausible strategies and measures against the control of Covid 19.

The Commissioner further promised people of the state that, the Task Force would be regularly updating them through the Media, as well as other communications outlets .

Muhammed however warned members of the public to desist from spreading false information on Corona Virus in the social media, to cause unnecessary palpable apprehension and anxiety in the minds of the people of the state.

Signed:
YAHYA SARKI
SA Media to Kebbi State Governor
26/3/2020