Yobe commences COVID-19 sample collection, test

Yobe state Committee on Prevention and Control of COVID-19, has disclosed that the state has commenced Coronavirus sample collection and testing as 67 cases of the virus were recorded.

Idi Barde Gubana, Chairman of the Committee and the State Deputy Governor made the disclosure while briefing journalists on Wednesday in Damaturu shortly after the Committee meeting.

He said “The Molecular Lab has started working so far with 40 tested samples, 43 waiting to be tested, 1 positive case recorded out of the tested samples”.

On COVID-19 status of the state, the Chairman noted that Yobe state has so far recorded a total number of 362 cases, out of which 225 turned out to be negative 67 were confirmed cases.

He added that the state has recorded 8 deaths, 2 active cases and 59 infected patients have been discharged after full recovery.

“The total number of COVID-19 cases in Yobe state is 362; 225 negative; 67 confirmed cases with 8 deaths, 2 active cases and 59 discharged”, Gubana said.

According to the Chairman, a lot of achievements have been recorded in the fight against the disease among which was the commencement of testing for COVID-19 at the State Specialists’ Hospital in Damaturu.

On school resumption for exit classes, he said, “the Committee successfully supported the State Ministry of Education to safely reopen schools for students in SS3 and JSS3 who are preparing for their final exams.

Gubana also revealed that the Committee has also embarked on motorized campaigns and other community-based interventions, conducted the COVID-19 heroes campaign and has continued intensified case search, surveillance and contact tracing.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana announced that the State Molecular Lab has the capacity of testing 98 samples at a go within 5 to 6 hours.