Following the closure of Gombe state Government House over the demise of a top government official Shuaibu Danlami, which is linked to covid-19, public officials, including cabinet members and staff are being tested for Coronavirus in the state.
On Thursday Governor Inuwa Yahaya directed that high risk areas such as the offices of the deceased and that of the SSG as well as the Government House Clinic where the deceased was admitted be disinfected and closed from any Physical interaction.
Those tested were also strongly advised go into self isolation pending the outcome of the results.
According to a statement signed by the governor’s Spokesman Ismaila Misilli, the Governor also urged members of the general public to take the NCDC protocols and medical experts’ advice seriously and strictly observe all precautionary measures of hand-washing, use of sanitisers and face masks as well as maintain social distancing.
He said such measures are important in order to prevent the spread of the disease, especially because the nation has entered into another phase of the COVID-19 spread called community transmission.
“Already, samples from Commissioners, Special Advisers, members of the Task force on covid-19 where the deceased served as assistant secretary, Directors, Executive Secretaries, Chairmen of Boards and Commissions, Security Personnel attached to the Government House as well as those of other staff and aides are being taken for covid-19 test while the Rapid Response Team has also commenced contact tracing.”
Meanwhile The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi who was the first to present himself for test, commended the effort of the Gombe State Task force on COVID-19 for its decisive approach and response after it was confirmed that the staff in the SSG’s office died of covid-19 complications.
He said, “The Task force took the right and by all means, the correct decision to forestall the spread of the VIRUS among the good people of Gombe State by immediately conducting the much needed contact tracing and advising every member of staff, including family members, friends and well wishers to be tested and if found positive, proceed on self isolation.”