Kaduna State Considers Shutting Down Public Spaces

The Kaduna State Government has said that it is considering locking down the state, as COVID-19 cases in the state have started to tick upwards.

In a statement by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Health, Amina Mohammed-Baloni, the state is considering the shutting down of public spaces that include schools and markets, and worship places.

She said, “If the rate of spread retains or exceeds the current pace, then we will have no option to recommend the temporary closure of public spaces, including schools, markets, offices and places of worship."

She stated that the state had begun to record a high number of infectious cases, reminiscent of the first wave of the disease.

“In absolute and relative terms, Kaduna State is now recording high infection figures reminiscent of the first wave of Covid-19 spread in April, May, and June 2020," she said.

“The lowering of the infection rate following the first wave encouraged the government to approve the recommendation of the State Covid-19 Task Force for a significant reopening of the state.

“However, we are saddened to report that the conditions that compelled the 75-day lockdown of the state are now being replicated.

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“On November 26, the state recorded 74 positive results from 531 samples.

“The quantum of infections since then suggests both high infection rates and the reality that a new wave of infections is spreading across the state.

“As at yesterday, 11th December, the state recorded 117 positive cases from 518 samples. This translates to almost one in four samples testing positive.”

The commissioner revealed that the most affected age groups are between 10 and 35.

“While infections cut across age groups, this new wave especially affects those aged between 10 and 35. There is now a veritable danger to lives and livelihoods with the renewed Covid-19 infections.

“If the spread continues at the current rate, it may challenge and overwhelm the health system despite our efforts to improve the resilience of that sector.

“We cannot allow this to happen. Kaduna State contained the first wave because, among other measures, most citizens observed and practiced the COVID-19 prevention protocols.”