Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa says modeling experts project that with the best case scenario, Jigawa may have up to 800 cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in this period.

Badaru made public the prediction on Wednesday, while addressing newsmen in Dutse.

He, however, said unless urgent action was taken, the state could record up to 20,000 cases if the epidemic spiraled out of control,

“You will agree with me that COVID-19 is now with us in Jigawa, the disease has spread to eight local governments out of 27.

“The state has a total number of 118 confirmed cases with two fatalities so far,” the governor said.

Badaru explained however, that out of the 118 confirmed cases, seven patients had been cured of the disease and discharged home.

He noted that out of the total number of confirmed cases, 63 were Almajiri pupils deported from Kano, representing 53 per cent.

“We are hopeful that with the efforts and the prayers we are putting to Almighty Allah, we should be below the mark of 800.

“We are currently at 14 per cent of that projection, and at 0.6 per cent of the worst scenario projection of 20,000,” Badaru said.

He said that the focus of his administration during this pandemic was to protect more people from getting infected, as well as to increase the chances of survival of infected persons.

The governor, however, said all the COVID-19 patients in the state were doing well, as the mode of treatment deployed by the state was yielding results.

“20 samples of the confirmed cases were taken yesterday to find out whether those patients have been satisfactorily treated and have turned negative. Such negative patients will be discharged from the facilities immediately in line with NCDC guidelines,” Badaru said.

He expressed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of front line Health workers, who were risking their lives to win the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

“Aside training and supply of personnel protective equipment, isolation units have been established at our General Hospitals to ensure that all patients are attended to, and health workers have the necessary kits to attend to patients,” the governor said.

Badaru said government had approved the upward review of daily allowances of each health worker to up to N10,000, depending on their level and category.

He also disclosed that government had opened discussions with insurance companies on health and life insurance for the front line health workers.

“The major challenge the state is getting is the delay in getting results which impedes effective patient care.

“With the current national arrangement, the state has to send samples to Kano, Kaduna or Abuja.

“So this would no longer be the case as the state has decided to procure medical laboratory equipment and establish its own public health laboratory.”

Badaru said when established, the laboratory would have the capacity to test COVID-19 patients and diagnose other deadly diseases such as Lassa fever, Ebola and other impending epidemics. (NAN)

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